One thing to note is the mention of a "Runaway Trim Checklist". When piloting an airliner, there is a checklist for almost everything. Sometimes there are multiple checklists with branching paths. Most emergency/malfunction checklists involve what are called "memory items". These are checklist steps that the pilot must remember in order to react quickly to any possible problem. After the memory items are completed, the pilots will break out the checklist binder and follow the checklist procedure that comes after the memory items.
Every procedure the pilots undergo has passenger safety as it's #1 concern. Pilots are free to make whatever decision they deem necessary to ensure the safety of their passengers, even at the detriment of the airline's bottom line. They are free to make these decisions without question, even if the problem seems small.
I believe it's important to note the above information whenever we look at these horrible accidents and try to reason about them. Often, pilots are the first line of defense against failures. Most aircraft have 2-3 redundant systems for almost every control and feature. Pilots need to understand and know how to work with and around these systems in order to react to emergency situations. That's why I think the MCAS isn't really to blame here as much as Boeing is to blame for not properly documenting it's operation in their manuals.