Just for the record, I haven't heard instances of "lenience" being used. Have to start to keep my ears open for that one.

Bingley (hi!), I thought your rationale made a lot of sense. Have to go read your link now to see whether it makes as much sense as you did.

WW

PS: I just read your link and, yep, that's the opposite point of view. Well, thank goodness, AnnaS brought this to our attention! We do so enjoy fine-tuning our usage, don't we?