That's pretty messed up, looks like the anchors were set for a different size pole/base plate that's been changed out.
Base plates are the best way to do it, and if one is afraid of missing anchor bolt holes, just set 1 anchor and use post-installed epoxy anchors w/ 3" or more embedment for the other 3. (I'm a structural engineer so I deal with stuff like this all the time). Ideally, you'd use a plywood template when you set your anchor bolts, that's the best way.
I was going to have a local fab shop make me a pole with base plate, but it was cheaper to just buy a 12' long piece of pipe and bury 4.5' in a 12" dia hole filled with concrete. I had the 6' piece of pipe from where I cut down the dish at the previous owners', and so if I move I'll just cut down the pipe and weld in the middle, re-set it in a new hole with concrete, and call it a day. Biggest thing is keeping things plumb while the concrete cures.