That is an interesting perspective.
I fully agree that systems should follow code....even if they don't have to. I hate it when I see posts from people that are knowingly or unknowingly doing less.
However, I don't see that the inverter must be large enough to cover all the home's needs. It only needs to be large enough to cover the equipment that they feel they need backup for and can afford to do safely. For some people, that may only be a couple of LED lights. For others it may be the whole house. It is going to depend on a combination of their value set and their budget. True, if the inverter is larger than initially needed, it is easier to grow the system later.....but that is a choice each person makes on their own.
I personally don't want a system that requires me to throw a transfer switch to get power back, but that might not match the value set of others. Just because I would do it one way does not mean people that make different choices are wrong.
When I finally realized I needed to get serious about a home back up system my steps went kinda like this... (not recommended for everyone)
Buy a big generator and some extension cords... (worked but not very convenient )
Installed a interlock switch and generator breaker in main panel outside on my power pole... (better but still inconvenient in the middle of a storm)
Realized I didn't need to power the entire house during a blackout after I installed the Emporia energy monitoring system (only needed 3000W)
Sold the big generator and bought a 3000W gen/inverter that was much quieter and I could use propane to fuel it (better yet)
More research found the Connecticut Transfer switch panel...(much more convenient inside the garage) powers my essential circuits as I choose...
Light bulb went off one day and I tried an old inverter that I had and plugged into the inlet box on the transfer switch panel powered by some of my electric bike batteries...(just a test)....realized that is much quieter and perfect for a short term outage
Safer LifePo4 batteries for longer power outages...Started looking for a new inverter...
Found the "all in one" inverters and bought a 48V Growatt 3000 ES and plugged into the transfer switch...(very convenient when used on utility/battery backup ...I don't even have to get out of bed during a power failure now)
Why not solar panels to charge those batteries? Installed 15 used panels on top of my pergola for a 3000w array to charge the batteries and power my AC in the garage during the hot hours of the day
No solar?...No Utility?...No problem...I just plug my external battery charger into my Gen/Inv and keep the battery bank charged as needed...
If the inverter crashes I have a backup by unplugging it and plugging in the Gen/Inv directly to power my essential circuits
It's been a learning experience...who knows what might be next?