'Butt I take solace in knowing there is a paper copy on file '
I agree with most of your concerns. But if the above statement is stating that the IRS keeps your paper copy, think again. Prior to the electronic filing requirement for most CPAs, we had two years in a row that the IRS notified us with issues on our personal filings. One year it was an incorrect SSN for my wife, the second it was an amount entered on the wrong line. In both instances I was informed that when they received the paper returns they had a minimum wage seasonal employee key the data into their system and then shredded the return. Luckily, I had my copies to send them showing that the error was on their end. But it took multiple phone calls and faxing of copies, since it is hard to get the same representative/group when you call in.
In case I forgot to mention it above, Always Just My Opinion
