Let's not be too critical: have you seen the amount of money a structural design engineer has to pay out to get the suite of insurances that are necessary to practice? There's a reason for that, and it has to do with the likelihood of killing someone if your design fails, and even then you're not wholly protected. So, if you had the choice of skimping or over-designing, with your career and personal freedom hinging on it, what would you do?
That aside, I enjoy shooting details like this, too. Someone was proud enough to forge their name on that shackle bridge, and you have honoured that. More strength to your shutter finger, comrade!