I think someone else posted it back a few days ago, "Death from Exposure" is generally used when they don't have a clue what caused the death, or they don't intend to say what caused the death. I'm satisfied there will be no more info forthcoming from officials on this death.
As far as the hiking community being so interested and adamant about determining what happened, it isn't any disrespect to Gerry's family. Thousands of hikers use the Appalachian Trail every year, including this area in Maine. It is important to know where the pitfalls are, and what areas to be especially careful not to mistake a side trail, etc. Why do the "my-way-or-the-highway" folks get so surprised and upset about the genuine concerns expressed in this subject. And if you believe you get a complete and true answer from every ME's report, then you are living in a dream world! For whatever reasons they deem necessary, they don't hesitate to hold back info from the public and even from the families of the deceased. And if you don't like reading the posts anymore, just skip this topic.