In the case of MIG welding, the fish scale pattern that everyone seems to think means its a good weld is largely cosmetic and in cases like above would undoubtedly fail mechanical testing due to lack of uniform penetration. There also a lot of stress raisers there in an area that is likely to flex. [Edit: After looking at the photo's on my PC instead of my phone, the area may not flex given the thickness and stiffeners, but the weld is still not one to hold up as perfect by any means]
If done correctly it allows builders to ensure uniform appearance of the welds across the whole boat. Especially in cases where more than one person are welding.
The machine in use there has a function called synchropulse (sometimes call double pulse)
It "pulses" the amount of wire coming out to give a fish scale effect. If its in use there then the frequency is set too low for the travel speed. A higher frequency would bring it closer together giving uniform penetration.
The manifolds shown were done with a TIG. Not practical to do large jobs and heavy materials that way. Your tinnie would cost about five times as much.
As far as I know there is no requirement for boat builders to do any sort of pre qualified weld procedures or post weld testing.
Of course it's a "be careful what you wish for Dorothy" thing.
If such measure were introduced it would raise the manufacturing costs dramatically and virtually eliminate the kit boats.