If you are implying the FAA does not apply common sense, what do you mean by that? They get a red flag from ATC about something a pilot probably did and they follow up on it, that's about it. That's what they are supposed to do. Penalties may get stiffer with non-cooperation by the pilot during the follow-up process and an uncooperative pilot greatly complicates a followup. The rule of thumb is, if it's an inadvertent infraction and something pretty common, then fess up and take your lumps. If it was a serious gaff and negligence was clearly a big part of it or there was injury or damage, then a lawyer is needed because it is assumed the FAA is after your tickets and they are not held to high levels of fairness as administrators. In that case there needs to be someone on your side to push back for fairness and clarity. I do not think USMC was implying that a lawyer is never required because when you really screw up there is a chance of losing everything and you need the FAA to carefully consider your penalty.