In reality, the bigger chance of "gotcha"
is during an annual with a new wrench rather than a ramp check.

Correct. Practically the only chance, in fact, unless you decide to
take your airplane to the FSDO. And there is a solution. Don't allow
random mechanics (those that don't come without a personal
recommendation) to annual your airplane. Ever.

What happened with Jay Honeck's strobes is a perfect example of how bad
an idea that is. He had a Form 337, all signed and legal. It wasn't
good enough. Nothing ever is, if you get the wrong mechanic.

Michael