Some of this was discussed a few months ago and of course a lot of theories were being discussed early on. I do remember one reputable source that claimed that the SU25 could be pushed somewhat higher than the specs for a short time, although your other comments re speed and the type and weight of weapons it can carry tend to rule it out.
Re your conclusion: "I don't believe the Russians or separatists purposely shot down MH-17, it was a tragic accident during war time, however the separatists would have minimal training and experience using the SA-11 and likely did think they were shooting at a Ukrainian transport aircraft."
Yes, I think most HC users including myself would agree that this is by far the most probable explanation, even though there was some controversy over the validity of the separatist radio communications that were intercepted at the time. However, all this shouldn't prevent posters discussing other possibilities.
It seems that Russia had everything to lose and the west had a lot to gain out of this so it was most probably accidental. However, there was a concerted and apparently coordinated effort by the mainstream media to immediately demonise Putin personally so the false flag possibility was raised.
In light of all this I would expect the report to clarify the following points, among others:
a) Provide recordings or verified transcripts of all air traffic control conversations with MH17 at the time, including instructions re the flight path.
b) Provide details and proof of who was on duty at air traffic control and what happened to them since.
c) Prove, possibly by ground level tests, that shrapnel from an SA11 (or whatever it was) would leave such a variety of hole shapes and sizes in the fuselage, including many that appeared to be perfectly circular.
d) Verify that the SA11 came from a Buk launcher, and exactly where the launcher was located.
e) Rule out the possibility that the launcher was one of many that belong to Ukraine.
