Re: Even in the 1980's
So it might not have to have been done, but it sounds like it was done. The story is fun, and on the balance of probability it is probably true, so let's just enjoy it for what it is.
I suspect the downvotes are primarily from people who want to read a light-hearted story and not subsequently be lectured on how it should have been done, no matter how creative that lecture is :)