Everything has it's place.
A lot of what happens in the industry necessitates this stuff. Just as in the production industry you can lower costs with automation and in the music industry, as we have less money than any other major industry, it helps.
With a good band the click would be to follow tracks and/or video. There are a few other places it would be helpful also
With tape over digital, it's the same thing. The money, time and skill to do traditional recording compared to what you can do at home today for next to nothing is crazy. Unless you're a top name with MONEY, the only way to justify the cost would be a well rehearsed band doing it live in a couple of days.
Cable into an amp is a thing, though there are exmples of both Angus and Mr. Hetfield preferring using the gain of a wireless system even in the studio. It depends. It's way more practical and cool on a big stage thogh, and that doesn't really depend if you're one of the members moving arond a lot and engaging the crowd.
If I'm doing my own stuff and it's all about big natural guitar tone it's amp all the way.A nig and heavy one, too. There are certain cover band gigs where the new modelling stuff makes a lot of sense, though. Even then I'd prefer to do it personal and naturally, but that's not always what people want. You bring this small board or box that weighs nothing + some IEMs and you're good to go. If it's just a money gig and this is what makes everyone, including the main artist and soundman happy, then it's win win and very practical.