Anyhow- is it normal to have "live" cam-lock tails? Or was the genny operator thinking that the breakers to the legs were open or something?
Not normal, or recommended.
I'll run the cables from my Distro to the panel. At this point, all breakers are off. Hand the tails to Sparky, and watch him (her) like a Hawk. Once connected, go back to my Distro and TEST at the pin sockets (you do own a Fluke or something similar?). If everything looks good, then I power up my rig.
I personally don't believe in making or breaking AC connections under load, even if the connector is rated for it.
Chris.