Crusaders

[chrysis_apoel]

Even as they never forgave the Crusaders who overran their homeland, the Syrians have never absolved the French for taking territory from them.

(A) Even as they never forgave
(B) While they never forgave
(C) Just like they never forgave
(D) Similarly to not forgiving
(E) In spite of their never forgiving

OA (A)
D,E are out.

C is out because of "like"
my question is why A over B?

[vcb_007]

while is used for contrast
so B ruled out.