I agree with your concept Reily. Originally, in the 78 law, the IGs were going to report directly to Congress but the Executive, Carter’s admin, disagreed with that so they got the reports to agency head with a go around in significant matters. My recall of the go around being used less than dozen times.
Most of the original Law established IGs were kick ass guys. As time went on, the politically savy mostly won out IMO.
Agree completely!