"Wolfgang K." wrote:

just being curious when reading that from over here in austria..
are the faa really that strict and ground you for being at not a cleared
altitude - for whatever reason?

It depends on the situation. If your altitude excursion does not cause a
problem for ATC, the controller most likely won't write you up. He may if he
has to move other aircraft around because you busted your altitude
assignment. He definitely will if your mistake causes a loss of separation
with another aircraft.
--
Dan
C-172RG at BFM