Offline backup is really necessary, it is the best way to recover back backup information, it is also the safest from online attackers, that is why it is just the best. Also, many people like stringent ways to backup informations like seed phrase, private key and passwords, which supposed not to be too stringent. Some will even look for their own means of encryption. Stringent ways of backup can lead to loss of such information.
Absolutely correct! I store my seed phrases offline on my “sacred” notebook. I learn my lesson the hard way when I took screenshots of seed phrases of empty wallets and never backed them up offline. Then one day, my phone got damaged and had no choice but to factory reset after visiting a lot of technicians. I just realized that I have enabled Google Photos which all of my pictures from the past are saved. Imagine if I didn’t have Google Photos! I would freak out!
I know how it feels to lose an amount like that. If I were in his shoes, it would be hard for me to move on. Lessons learned.