I'm not THAT old, but my solving history predates digital technology - and back then, the only way to deal with a Playfair was indeed with paper, pencil and logic. I still do them that way, resorting to an online aid if I'm struggling. However, I can understand why some find them tiresome, given the ease with which they can now be cracked.
I see these types of puzzles as part of crossword heritage. After all, printer's devils date from the hot-metal printing era - the majority of those younger than me won't have a clue what I'm talking about. So... keep them. But only occasionally.