Gents its not the MEL that is really in discussion, the limitations are spelt out in there (though sometimes in a wooly manner) and should be adhered to. I am thinking of the oft found damage to for example Fan Attrition Linings? There are limitations for this and some are fly on limits some are not, but the data is in the AMM Chapter 72. What does our down route pilot do about this.....say in my 'judgement' this is OK?
Or in a small island somewhere the rear fuselage gets dinged.......does he have the SRM limitations to hand?
No...can some untrained/unlicenced 'judgement' be used here? I don't think so......but sadly due to commercial pressure this is what is being done on a daily basis. It'll only end in tears!