I would like to think that our lot are pretty sensible. If there's a minor fault that's not in the MEL, bring it home and report it on the I/B leg. If it is in the MEL can it be deferred with advice from Maintrol? If yes, raise an ADD and bring it home. If no, find an engineer and spares to fix it.
It's all written down in the MEL, how difficult can it be? I have yet to meet a pilot who has operated outside it.