Nice! Well first off in your original post you didn't mention the fact that your main is locked out or that you had the cable wired to a breaker that had an interlock installed. I took it as you simply wired a cable into your panel. Not speaking for Rusty but I'll bet he thought the same thing.
I emailed two electricians a copy of your pic. One said "no way not code." "You cannot install a permanent extension cord in place of hardwired to a generator. Not only an electrical violation but also a fire violation. An extension cord is not supposed to be placed through windows or doors, and should be protected from damage. Hence a permanently installed, hard wired switch box is used, placing the connection outside on the wall."
I haven't heard back from the other one.
But hey it is your wife hooking up to a generator, not mine.
A switch box will simply allow you to the flexibility, and safety to not have to shut off your main breaker because the circuits are isolated by the switch.
When the power comes back on the lights and other things in the house will come on and alert you that the power is back on so you can shut off your generator.
So next time you want to tell people we don't know what we are talking about....be a bit nicer. I may not know everything...but I am smarter than a 5th grader.