We've seen that Leonard can't really manage without Sheldon for any protracted length of time. Like, maybe more than a couple days. Or even just one day. But having a Sheldon-less meal with Penny occasionally, at a rather swanky club to boot, wouldn't really approach that issue.

@Knixon said:

We've seen that Leonard can't really manage without Sheldon for any protracted length of time. Like, maybe more than a couple days. Or even just one day. But having a Sheldon-less meal with Penny occasionally, at a rather swanky club to boot, wouldn't really approach that issue.

When he got caught out by Sheldon—really expected Leonard to immediately switch over to his usual whinny, apologetic mode. When he didn’t, I thought—well great! But, it didn’t last.

Sheldon has bragged about all the work he did over the years to bend Leonard him to his will. To that we have to add all those years of ego-softening parenting Beverly did beforehand.

When it comes to handling Sheldon, Leonard needs some Bert-Wil-Kripke-like skills.

@FormerlyKnownAs said:

Of course, when it comes to helping out a friend, Leonard scrubbing barrels so that Sheldon could get the room/date he wanted wasn’t up there with helping-to-hide-a-dead-whore; but, nevertheless, it was a grand gesture. Just sorry they didn’t show Kripke roping Sheldon into joining Leonard in the task. (Yes, I know it is only an 18ish-minute show. But, Sheldon’s facial expression whenever Kripke one-ups him is always priceless.)

Now back to Leonard's grand gesture...

It surprised me that Leonard had carved out a Sheldon-free sanctuary for himself? Generally, he is so amenable when it comes to the feelings of others (especially Sheldon) that I didn’t think he had it in him. But, he proved me wrong.

Of course, instead of letting Sheldon sink-or-swim, Leonard reverted to form; felt guilty, and tried with a grand gesture to do-right-by Sheldon. BAU!

If I'm scrubbing potentially radioactive waste for you, we're buddies. That's was one of the most considerate decisions Leonard has ever made for someone who doesn't deserve that much consideration.😏

Who rents a hall like that for their OWN birthday party?
Besides, from all indications, Barry would have a tough time filling that place with friends. A more appropriate place for a jerk like Kripke would be the corner booth at the local Big Boy or Denny's.