So, did you put the cover back on? Seems like all that would be needed is some longer screws !
From the dropped ceiling grid shown in some of the pics, it definitely looks like Harry Homeowner was busy at work finishing his basement and didn't need to hire no professionals!
You know what they say: "False ceilings hide a multitude of sins." So, I guess you have to put one heck of a false-wall in front of that panel.
Seeing stuff like this makes me glad I don't do resi. service work any more. The only way my conscience would rest easy touching that panel is if I were ripping it out.
I wouldnt say it is "uncalled for" That panel is too small for all those wires Period. Plus it is rusted out on the bottom. Lets upgrade and make it safe and proffessional.
Bet you the guts are loose on the backboard too. Breakers have probably been arcing for years and buss has hot spots all over it.
I'll second Ayrton here. I wouldn't want that next door, let alone in my own house. It is an interesting artifact, though.
I see just about every kind of "interchangeable" breaker in there, but the main, what is that? An old Murray? That panel seems impossibly tiny for 200A. And the blue-handled tandem near the bottom, with the "wrong way" toggles like a Stab-Lok, what is that? I don't think I've ever seen one of those.