I think we're going to find out who's correct. I totally see your argument, and in the past that line of thinking has been 100% accurate; however, the way charters, membership agreements, council charters, bylaws, etc ... are structured versus before has compartmentalized the risk away from national. They are getting horrible PR right now, the damage is done [in regards to image].

When you go somewhere with limited or no power. I know a scouting family that has an off the grid(ish) cabin and they don't allow their kids on electronics while there; I am not exactly sure what the source of power is but they don't let the kids drain it with their phones/tablets/whatever. Last year they borrowed pamphlets from me since their kids wouldn't have enough power to read the whole thing(s) digitally. 

I really wonder why anyone would still go to the Scout Shop and buy the printed versions when they are available to download at no cost.

Okay.  I just saw the following.  New requirements online and QR codes to access/  Scout shops to get new MB pamphlet inventory.   I always think about the carrying cost.  Ouch. https://www.scouting.org/program-updates/important-update-merit-badge-requirements-moving-online/