This is blaming traveler, when AC or their local contract staff could have easily called the gate and confirmed traveler was on the manifest.

Then, a hand-printed BP could have been put together, and staff could have walked the traveler to TSA, spoke to Supervisor , and away they go.

A paper backup for a system that is fully digital in nature?

Relying on a single paper token to get through process when so many other things can go wrong with digital and/or customer service process - fill your boots if this makes you feel better.

ps...if you lose your paper BP, your still going back to check-in/kiosk???