Definitely*definately
But i'm in the + / - camp for the same reason.
LOA is a tool to keep you in the regiment and make people aware that you won't be online for a few days.
That doesn't mean it is a get-out-of-jail-free card for underperforming.
Think you should definitely look at a restructure and implement a few fail-safe measures to keep the regiment moving forward before aspiring to higher office.
Good luck with the app tho!