The relationship between the Comp Plan and the LDC is governed by Florida Statute. It's pretty much all in here
http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes...eYear=2012&Title=->2012->Chapter 163->Part II
Good luck deciphering all that. In general the Comp Plan is supposed to be the guiding document for growth management and has to contain various elements with goals and policies. The LDC is supposed to be the nuts and bolts of implementing the comp plan. If we had zoning in this county the LDC is where the details would be. The two documents are supposed to be consistent. Both are available on the county website and both have been changed from 75 to 125 units for limited lodging. I don't think enough attention has been paid to this change, how and when and why both were changed. I would like a lot more details and explanation from the county about that.
In general terms most of the changes I have seen over the years have favored "attorneys with clients who have a financial benefit." You pretty much nailed it. Change is a two edged sword - it could work for other community interests such as lower densities, preservation of certain community attributes, more appropriate stormwater management, etc. but it unusually doesn't.