So the agent does physically swipe the PR card? Has that been the case for visa required PR card holders for years or just recently? Or were cards just physically inspected?

The idea that all PR card holders will now be heavily scruntinized almost defeats the purpose of the the whole new electronic entry/exit system. It seems like all they've done now is pass the burden on to the airlines.

I've been a PR holder for years, visa exempt, and have never been asked for my PR card by an airline, even with one-way itineraries to Canada. I've also entered Canada at airports with an expired PR card without even a glance from CBSA, they don't care, as we're legally entitled to enter regardless of PR card validity.

So if this all going to get worse for PR card holders generally, what's the point of the system?