I felt I should step in here when I saw the word 'leniency' with regard LAA maintenance.
Leniency is far from what LAA maintenance is about. The standards are as high (if not higher) than C of A stuff, but just without the stupid overhead costs and rip-off prices.
I used to pay a company to keep my Cessnas flying and I paid them a fortune for routine stuff. Since then I've seen the light and have taken the LAA route. My maintenance standards are higher (really they are), I am involved in my maintenance and my costs are 85% less than what they were.
No brainer IMHO.