Yeah I have heard of those things. I have even heard of the Internet, as it might be how we all post to this website. I have also heard many of times that someone submits false documents over the internet, etc when items are not confirmed in person. So no problem, call or fax the league secretary. Just make sure that the person doesn't have anything to gain by sending something amiss with the form. Which by the way, would be on you as you would have failed to ensure the document was correct as the tourney organizer.
However, USBC does not have that issue. That is why the resource the USBC provides to allow us to look up the info online is nice, easy, and a resource many can use.
Further, maybe the extra money the USBC is asking for (potentially) is because the USBC have employees and the employees want raises because costs are going up for employees, because families are expanding, because of whatever reason.
Oh yeah....one last thing. I show up for your tournament. Check in usually starts maybe an hour before bowling starts and continues up till about 15 minutes (or less) until the tourney starts. So I show up, not pre-entered (as most tourneys are not pre-entries) and you think in less than an hour you are going to be able to get ahold of the league secretary at my house, about 1000 miles away, and have him or her fax you my information or send the info to your email? Plus, considering I bowl in 4 different houses in 4 different leagues, you would need to accomplish that 4 times. I highly doubt you are going to be able to contact 4 different individuals and have the information sent to you, someone the league secretary doesn't know and SHOULD be hesitant to send out any information because the secretary doesn't know you from a hole in the wall, and you expect to do this for multiple people that show up?
Nah, I will just pay the extra money the USBC wants to handle all those headaches!