Again, I understand the sentiment but this is not an example of them "getting away" with anything.
If anything this is indicative of a healthy Quality Management System given that this condition was identified and contained prior to any impacted articles entering into service.
This just isn't true. Part 121 operators develop and manage their own maintenance plans. That is done in conjunction with Boeing and the FAA but their maintenance plans may very well deviate from Boeings prescribed service and intervals per their standard maintenance manual.