that just screams of "We just need a temporary sign to get us through a couple of months until we get open and start making money". Six years later, when it's falling apart, they remember to replace it.
I'm willing to bet what you're looking at looked fine, and served it's purpose well for at least one year. Is it the prettiest? No. Is it the most secure? No. Did it work for perfectly for the time frame it was erected for? Yes.
Just a thought, not necessarily shoddy work by a sign guy, just work that is way past it's expected life.