I can't see the MLE action body or bolt being weaker than the SMLE
I concur. If anything the MLE's were/are stronger. Apparently the same steel specs were adhered to. Only the Ishaporian 7.62 NATO rifle used modern alloy steel. My 1902 MLE withstood nearly 500 rounds of MkVIII machinegun ammo without disintegrating. Admittedly it was a long time ago and the steel may have aged some since then ....