Unsupported earth walls

40 year old home I inspected a couple weeks ago. Among several other structural defects in the basement/crawl, there were 7’ vertical earth walls unsupported all the way around the basement. I recommended a structural engineer further evaluate. His official, stamped recommendation was to monitor. I am shocked!

They have been there for 40 years …Why are you shocked?

I would think one good water or seismic event could end badly. Support footings are right against the edge as well.