Sounds like a old fashioned D*#k measuring contest to me. Sorry to hear someone is even questioning this bud. I wish C. Captain was back. I’d love to hear his opinion on it.
46 CFR Part 111 - ELECTRIC SYSTEMS
§ 111.01-7 Accessibility and spacing.
(a) The design and arrangement of electric apparatus must afford accessibility to each part as needed to facilitate proper inspection, adjustment, maintenance, or replacement.
This only applies to vessels subject to sub chapters: D, H, I, I-A, K, L, O, Q, R, T, U & W.