I don't know why everything ...
Because the discussion is about a new R&O that was just issued, so quoting from a 2019 VE document is irrelevant.
The actual R&O is
here for those who want to read it. Here are some relevant extracts:
para 59 (on page 18 of the PDF): "As of the effective date of this Order,
we will no longer print and mail paper authorizations."
Note the wording. It doesn't say "we will no longer
automatically print and mail..." It says "we will no longer" without qualification.
Then in Appendix C, para 38 (page 38 of the PDF): "By requiring electronic delivery for all ULS and ASR compulsory and courtesy correspondence and
eliminating requests for the Commission to mail hard copies of authorization and letters, we reduce regulatory burdens and make interactions more accessible and efficient while facilitating reduced administrative costs and faster communications for small entities."
There it's stated clearly--the "request a paper copy" option is eliminated in this R&O.
And regarding Glenn's comment (about what happens if an email bounces), Appendix A (the revised text of the actual rules) has the following:
para 28 modifies section 13.10 (page 28 of the PDF) to include:
"Suspension of the operator license may result when correspondence from the FCC is returned as undeliverable because the applicant failed to provide the correct e-mail address."I think that all is pretty clear.