HForester, I'm sure that there have been reasons to shut off a house breaker do to ICE, we had SD's go off, flipping the breaker stopped the madness, reset with no issues. Space in front of the panel is required for ready and safe operation and maintenance. I'm sure there have been are other ICE reasons to shut off a breaker.
The NEC handbook states that: Minimum working clearances are NOT required if the equipment is such that it is not likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized.
Would a mirror screwed over the top of a panel hiding it from view be allowed?