The problem is that any "leeway" will be taken up by cheaters. And the cheaters far outnumber the people like you who genuinely need some slack.
When I taught, I tried not to be dogmatic. But people have to understand that when a prof gives leeway, he's putting his ass on the line ... he doesn't have authority to do that and he could get burned if someone gets riled up about it.
So, if your prof cuts you slack that you needed, keep it to yourself and STFU.
