I agree. Many owners lived experiences is not to take an active role in their owner's management company. The process I outlined is very doable and is much more preferable to complaining and being frustrated at the service being provided. Yes it involves a bit of work at the outset, but once you have a trustworthy managing agent the process becomes much easier. I spend about an hour a month on my role now and a bit more coming up the the AGM and before an audit.
I planned to get involved as you outlined, but at the last minute I wasn’t able to make it to the AGM. But I did talk to a neighbour and he was also planning to sign up and get involved and hopefully next year I’ll be able to get stuck in. In the meantime I do contact the agents if needed.