But historically doing so, while losing a transponder, radically changing course, and going radio silent in a modern and connected commercial aircraft. this was a 777 after all, not some ancient refurbed 737 or something.
No, That doesn't historically happen. as I pointed out, it's only happened once, and that was a significant amount of time ago.
It does. You pretending that that one which was never heard from again is the only time transponders and comms go out during a mechanical failure doesn't mean you can base your argument on it.
A 777 still needs regular maintenance.
At least provide evidence instead of rampant speculation. Just because you don't know what actually happened does not mean you can make shit up about what might have happened considering what you're suggesting has never happened before.
While planes falling out of the sky and crashing happens all the time.