I would never let my ssa exposed.
I would neither never let an unairworthy aircraft go.
What is the last time you dispatch an aircraft with a deferred item like '1 fastener loose from body fairing xxx, speed tape applied. security checked ok'. Can you tell if this is airworthiness related? I don't see any MEL/AMM covered such but obviously this is acceptable.
If after years of practice an engineer can't judge airworthiness/non-airworthiness, I am saddened.
".....breaking the rules and leaving yourself wide open should there be an incident.'
It would only be 100% sure myself it is safe otherwise I won't exercise my authority.
From my previous postings I never have the slightest hint to voilate airthworthiness. That is the bottom line.
What I am telling is to use our professional knowledge during trying situations. If things go beyond the bottom line, don't sign.