Yes, we all want a lock up and leave property and the only possible way I can see is to buy a property, lock it and go on holiday, thereby creating a property that is lockup and leave. There is no need to hand a few hundred thousand pounds to a disgruntled ex first.
She doesn't need to justify her smaller house but I expect being in FLP means any obvious downsizing has to be managed in case it's seen as a sign by the bots. The pressure to be constantly winning must be exhausting.
The phrase 'lock up and leave property' reminds me of other sillinesses such as the ridiculous concept of being "beach body ready"; all you need is the body you've got, a bucket and spade and a beach and your body is ready for the beach.