I’m in KY and yes those are louvered doors but the other crawl doesn’t even have them. Definitely one of the weirdest setups I’ve seen, plus just last week I had another one identical but it actually did have the vent openings in the crawlspace.
Any ideas on a good recommendation, haha?
If the crawl areas were not open to the semi finished living space, it should be vented, however since it is open, it makes it a conditioned space (technically). IMO since you have milder winters than say oh Montana or Minnesota, I would be more concerned about the efflorescence than the insulation.
As far as the insulation, I would just note what I saw and move on…
Moisture has already taken hold of the floor structure, moisture has to be eliminated, or there will be big future problems. Insulation between the joist will worsen the problem.
I agree with it worsening the problem.
Note the areas of concern, e.g. moisture, efflorescence, lack of venting, etc. Recommend having a qualified contractor address those issues.
My take: Note your observations. Do not get involved in the right or wrong use of this weird design. It may be an unfinished construction project and who ever is the current or new owner may want to talk to a licensed construction company to define future allocation and use of the space.
Not to take away your opinion of “right or wrong” but there are many similar up here e.g. the larger entry between the house basement and the garage, for instance.
And, I built many additions on a crawlspace with a couple of openings to the basement over the years as I said above.
The terrain has much to do with the design of the basement/crawlspace, too. We have many like that up here.
I agree with Larry. It really is not that unique. In my neck of the woods, it is considered conditioned space if it opens to the basement. It should not be ventilated to the outdoors. It doesn’t necessarily need insulation but just like insulating your basement, it is not a bad idea. The moisture intrusion needs attention though.
No, Larry… No harm on “your opinion of my opinion”… I enjoy your feedback, there is always something new to learn from this ‘Forum Members’. You all have some much ‘invaluable street wise experience’ that I love to absorb as a sponge. It makes me ‘look smarter’ on the next case… 
Thanks for the knowledge…!! Is an eye opener 
In this particular case, I just feel that many times our Forum’s Members get off track from the basic “Home Inspection SOP” (Minimum Standards of Practice) ~ [Observe, Detect, Note , Report and Recommend Further Evaluation by a Licensed… “Whatever”]… It seems that we all can’t leave behind or aside all our former engineering or construction roles and we keep crossing the sensible line that can and could and will get us in (liabilities) trouble. We all must keep in mind that we are on the job-site hired as Home Inspectors, not General Contractors, nor Design Engineers… we are not there (should not be there) to recommend on home improvement projects, only as humble Inspectors… 
( Different Hat 🪖:mortar_board:
)
Pedro J Marin | BSEE, MBA, PMP, LHI
(443)797-4626
Thank you for the kind words, from all of us inspectors. 
I tried to report only what I saw and made referrals from that.
I agree this, and many, threads get off kilter and it can increase one’s knowledge base, if they are aware of what is happening. 