Perspective
I think it would depend on one's point of view. If the "FAA as vengeful" folks are seeing it, picking on a very ubiquitous type (MD80 and 737) that would have the most impact on air travel fits their conclusion. Hence the bigger "statement" re: ego and power. The inspections seem borderline "picky" to me, so I don't have a firm opinion, yet. I tend toward a political explanation, though.