Hmmm -- that option hasn't been the case for some years. For example, look at the DAC-transition from DC9 through their MD8 family, the MMEL does NOT offer the permissible-exception to the heavier models:
FAA's DC-9 MMEL ... 32- 4. ... Anti-Skid System ... (Series 10, 20, 30, 40, 50)
(O) May be inoperative provided:
a) Operations are conducted in accordance with performance data of the AFM ...
Note that the MMEL only offers the deferral option for the "little" DC9 series 10 thru 50 [NOT offered for the heavier DC9-80 models]. That is what caught my attention in this B737 MMEL -- still offering the deferral for Anti-Skid Inop'. That MEL-option seems wrong for later B73 models.
I stand corrected on the MD-80s (a DC-9 carryover assumption on my part), but my essential point is unchanged. While the 737 MMEL relief might "seem" wrong to you, Boeing/FAA would appear to have their own justifications, and ones I'm not privy to.
