Regarding MM and Maintenance schedules. In the present French system only the type-specific maintenance programme (which is usually part of the MM) is approved and up-dated by GSAC. The rest of the MM is there for guidance, but is up-dated by the manufacturer not the GSAC (NAA)
I find the most effective way of servicing is with a copy of the parts manual (lots of pictures) and the schedule/programme to hand.
But I guess in the real World where insurers use any excuse not to pay out, an out of date MM might not be good.