.. I guess that one of the salient messages in this thread is that one should not approach MEL use with mind in neutral ... a bit like the early days of EFIS and FMS etc ... we never trusted anything on first consideration ... a healthy dose of distrust has saved many an airman's life over the years ...
When considering MEL permissions the pilot must consider the big picture and always try to play a bit of the devil's advocate .. after all, if you take the bird, it is YOU up there in the tube when it all turns to custard ...