You are wrong. The DMCA does NOT require the service provider to do ANY verification of the validity of the notice. Further, they are protected by the DMCA from suit against the takedown as long as they restore the items after receipt of counter notice and subsequently not receiving further notice of legal action.

I agree that LL not turning over the original notice is WRONG, and there is NOTHING in the law that says they cannot do so. If anything, that's where their liability falls, and in not returning the goods in their original state.