Wunwing,
That reminds me of the G.O.Ds in the UK, the operator I worked for had all but turnaround maintenance done by contractors (and most turnaround maintenance done by the Flight Engineer) and we would take an aircraft for an 800h check, with maybe 50 deferred defect, and typically collect the aeroplane with two or three times as many, the operator would only pay to fix something that would ground the aeroplane.
And, on one occasion, not even that, with an MEL of two V-Gs fitted, two required, the CP operated out of maintenance with just one. That was too much even for CAA, said CP got a "Very naughty boy, next time we will get seriously terse" letter.
It was only when CAA threatened to pull the AOC did things change, and of all possibilities, a mob from Qantas was brought in, and Oh Boy!! did they sort the maintenance problems in short order.
Tootle pip!!