Have to disagree with you in several ways
"I found it pathetic, works but" Key word there is "Works". Apperance wise, yeah, it's probably not the neatest solution. But, I imagine it's lighter, easier to get parts for, and cheaper than any alternative method of attaching a starter.
I wouldn't call it a "engineered system" either- if I recall the article (haven't looked it up yet) Mr Hamp is just a old A & P who figured it out without a college degree in engineering. No doubt you can wait for a engineer designed "elegant" solution- I wouldn't, not much engineering work being done on 50+ year old airplanes without electrical systems
And from the FAA:
An STC will be issued only if:
- the pertinent technical data have been examined and found satisfactory,
- all necessary tests and compliance inspections have been completed, and
- the alteration has been found to conform with the technical data
Nothing about technical expertise of the designer, appearance of the design, etc