That method was very popular in the UK for cuttings + a small propagator, seems Americans prefer plastic cups. It isn't too bad when done right, like anything, bad when done wrong. The grow shops and ego of growers started getting more fancy over the years is all.
Going directly to pot/cup with seeds is ok but I still think the plate&paper towel method is the most efficient all round. No time waste in filling then removing what ever didn't take. The paper towel method gets a bad rep but I've always had 90%+ from it.