I really dont know.
If you look at the image in the OP post the USB stick seems functional.
Maybe the author only wanted to avoid this scenario. Or keep really simple, as said. That was his choice, not mine.
I only noted that he scrapped the need to rely on an hypothesis (the possibility to use an USB stick) going to the simplest yet more reliable form of storage.
Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't use a USB stick either but not because of the fear I won't be able to read it.
Just as you said, to keep things simple, and I would trust more steel than data on a usb stick.
But the fear that he is not going to be able to read it or there will be no equipment left is exaggerated.
If we right now can order a VHS player, cd player, cassette player with a click of a button then USB adaptors are safe for at least half a century.
Exactly. Another example: how many CD players are still inside modern computer devices? And we're not talking about past ages...
And you can't find one to buy?
Walmart has plenty.
Again it's a fake problem.
People also catalogue and collect old technology just like we do with everything in history. You will always be able to retrieve old data from old devices. It will just be antiqued by then. I mean people still have the very first Atari game console. How long ago was that? Like 40+ years. It's not like its unheard of to buy artefacts or relics years and years old. You can also re backup the files onto the newest media every few years. It really is not an issue. In fact you should back it up again not just to keep up with the tech but also to remind yourself you still have those coins. In 18 years you can forget a lot.