I don't think going back to books will be an option.  The traditional way of doing business to remove all impediments is not feasible.  And I for one, have twice found out I  personally notarized documents, once where the signed "borrowed" her look-alike sister's ID to buy a home, and second where a man brought his girlfriend to the closing having taken is wife's DL to sell their home during a separation, So even in person, there's no guarantee.

The world is moving fast and wants everything done online and immediately. I think the Title Underwriters will continue to adapt, by following the money saved in doing less search work, and balancing that with what they pay out in actual claims. They can and do "write over" a lot of issues, until the statute of limitations make they a moot point. I think we will have to learn to adapt. ;/