Is early extension a 'power leak' ?

Hi, I was hoping to better understand if & how early extension is a power leak? - Is early extension a power leak because it leads to less consistency of strike, less optimal impact & launch conditions, or does it actually slow down body rotation and ultimately club head speed? In my own experience, as a 10 handicapper, I have oddly found the drill "Mastering Club Face Awareness" (9 shot drill) to unintentionally be a huge key to overcoming early extension. IMO, while playing (and failing) at this game, there is almost a subconscious realization that you will never win at this precision game unless you immediately start purging your swing of anything that causes inconsistency. And since most of us (on this forum) have a pretty decent idea of our bad swing habits, the hyper-awareness that the game demands is quite helpful and forces you to "find it" quickly. Fun stuff.