Not to diverge...
Further, regarding the MEL issue, is that of time limits to effect repair. It seems to be more and more prevalent, these days, to make the repair (and remove the MEL) toward the end of the legislated maximum time interval, as opposed to "As Soon as Possible" (which is what's required under law).
What really pushes the envelope of MEL law is to issue an MEL so as to defer routine maintenance. This, of course, is illegal, but many carriers seem to be getting away with it.
For those of us who remember, a man named Frank Lorenzo (I suppose, in a way, we should thank him.) so far exceeded the bounds of law, due diligence, etc., that the MEL rules were changed to what we have today, worldwide. Some middle-management maintenance people (Eastern Airlines...thanks to ol' Frank) actually served time in a federal prison in Atlanta for some of these dirty deeds.
John is quite correct in his wisdom that we, as pilots, need to take a few steps back and view the big picture. This, along with strict adherence to MEL law, intent. and philosophy, will circumvent 'surprises' like those described, initially, in this thread.
PantLoad