I would consider everything you stated as "major items".
Sorry I have no decent idea as to what might have happened. Make something up (blame POCO)and be done with it.
So, you have no real idea as to what might have occured, but you are willing for this guys customer to lie to the PoCo.
That is called Fraud.
Why is it always the PoCo's problem?
Home-owners should have their own Surge Diversion equipment, installed in THEIR panels if they have sensitive gear that might be cooked by voltage surges.
I'm all for personal responsibility.
