I would be talking to this inspectors boss now. If the inspector does not have the tools to do his job, then he or his boss should supply them. I would not ask him to bring a ladder if I had one there, but I would not make a special trip to get one either.
I would take a tape measure, ladder and camera to get a picture of the 20" clearance and show it to the inspectors boss.
I would also hold a ball in the curve of the SER cable to show an appropate radius with the tape measure showing the balls diameter.
Pictures are worth a lot when it comes to these inspector's messes.
Just make sure all previously identified complaints are truely fixed then take the pictures and a trip to see the inspectors boss. Be truthful on what needed to be fixed and what did not and when.
You do need to diplomatic but not run over by an inspector not doing his job.
