MCAS was not designed to make the 737 Max behave like the 737 NG or Classic. It was designed to make the 737 Max certifiable at all. The problem with the 737 M

MCAS was not designed to make the 737 Max behave like the 737 NG or Classic. It was designed to make the 737 Max certifiable at all. The problem with the 737 Max is that the engine nacelles are further forward and larger than previously, so the lift that the nacelles make at high angle of attack is greater. This results in less stick force being necessary to maintain a high angle of attack than at lower angles of attack. This is uncertifiable behavior. Hence, MCAS, to augment the manuvering characteristics of the 737, to increase stick forces at high angles of attack. In a hypothetical universe where the Max was the first 737, it'd be fly by wire and all the stick forces would be synthetically generated anyway.