> This is something that basically disappeared from computing history by the mid-1980s, as it stopped being even remotely practical as a distribution method.

It was very much alive as the distribution method for getting TI-BASIC games onto calculators in the mid-to-late 90s.

If you didn't know anyone with access to the parallel-port graphlink cable, your only option was transcribing it manually. One someone transcribed a copy, distribution with the included male-male cable was possible.