Forgot to mention - 14 43.3 states who is authorized to make the changes - read particularly (d).

Facts here: http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx...43_13&rgn=div8

And Appendix A of 14 43, defines what are major alterations, major repairs and preventative. So everything other than preventative is a "Major Change". Everything previously mentioned by Skot falls into one of the "major" categories. So to "reestablish compliance" would be required IMHO - contrary to the advice he has obtained from his TC.

Facts of Appendix A here: http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx...117.a&rgn=div9

Major changes can be other than just those that affect "flight characteristics" as was stated.