Then there is the real world, where the customer says: "No. Just do what you need to make it work. That stupid heater cost me enough."
And I can tell you the difference between that job and a service upgrade is just a bit more than $50.
It is easy for you to criticize someone after the fact without knowing all the details.
If what you say in your reply to Jerry is true, that the HO did not know any better, then yes, the electrician should have suggested the upgrade. He was probably just doing what was asked and was not smart enough to suggest otherwise.

John, just for my own curiosity, what is your background in the trades?