it does look like a very comfy chair.
No idea what the panel is for. Sorry.
Does the rear wiring for the rear clip run down that member? I know on 1015 there is what looks like an Anderson connector to allow the rear clip to be disconnected, mounted somewhere in this area? Maybe its to controll the excess wire loop when the rear clip is lifted up. You would not want the wire on the exhaust side of the boxes as heat may damage it.