Did you ever consider that that was all the client wanted to do, or could afford???
Sure, an upgrade with a larger panel would have been a better job, but I am sure the customer got exactly what they paid for.
You automatically blame the electrician. Just like I was told previously here. Don't go slamming the other guy until you know all the details.
And just so others know, FPE (NOT the old FPE) is standard issue in Canada. How this is and what the changes from the old FPE are I don't know.