The manual starter can be though of as “supplemental protection” for the solenoid coil. Not required by code and it would not suffice as the Branch Over Current Protective Device since it’s not a motor, so there would still need to be a fuse or CB somewhere to protect the conductors. But if they want to try to protect the solenoid coil at a level lower than the BOCPD for the wires, that’s their prerogative. Personally, I would have used one of those cheap little DIN rail mounted IEC circuit breakers that are listed as UL1077 supplemental protection, that’s the sort of thing those are good for.
The jumpered out HOA switch is kind of pointless, but maybe that’s all he had available that day. Can’t say I haven’t done it in a pinch.