The question of AL's fidelity to tradition depends solely on the words contained within it...i.e. its contents.
There are no other external factors which influence that judgment. In order to conclude that AL is defective, it is in no way necessary to refer to Leo XIII's writing on religious liberty, for instance, since AL does not address that issue. IOW, AL's standing is independent of any controversy (or lack thereof) surrounding Leo XIII's writings. It stands or falls on its own merits.
Lopez, on the other hand, is trying to connect them and in so doing, is introducing a red herring.
Yes, I understand what you are trying to say now. I agree that his reasoning is false.