I was then, yes - a long time ago now, and I moved airlines eventually. The engineers then were keen and helpful, but I honestly wouldn't know in detail the quality of their work. Apart from the main oleos, I don't remember any particular issues arising from (lack of) maintenance - something I did experience in one other airline.
The Q400 was new to the UK then, and perhaps some maintenance schedules got corrupted "in translation"? Maybe the main gear oleo nitrogen charge pressure should have been checked every week, but was only checked every year. I don't know, (I moved on from that fleet after a year).