Feels like that panel earned its keep, and it's cool the installer took pride in it. I get the worry though, nobody wants to swap something that's still working fine.
Nobody wants to swap something that's still working fine" cuts both ways though, because keeping old gear running fine is how folks end up stuck with the same old panel for 25 years while better stuff passes them by. @walker.rowan that installer pride is great, but a guy who takes that much care will probably take the same care with a new one. The worry is real, but it shouldn't be the thing that stops you.