Philip
On Moderation
I'm not sure where all that came from but seems slightly like an anti-technology rant to me. It is very easy for the majority of end users is what I mean. They just tap in and out as required, and fare capping is also in place. Costs flash up on barriers. All you need is a functional bank-card.
Much easier than ensuring you've got the right ticket on you for the specific train you need and is valid at the time and route you are taking which occurs of much of the rail network. Of course some people don't have bank cards/accounts but these are very low numbers generally & you can still get an Oyster and top-up using cash.
Many passengers struggle with tickets on their phone, including needing to ask at the ticket office about how to access the tickets on the website or app; not understanding the ticket info and any restrictions; travelling with low phone battery; not knowing how to change the time of travel on advances to give a few examples. The majority come to the ticket office for assistance, which is ironic and suggests the easier option is to buy the tickets there in the first place!