Many TVMs have barcode readers now (not sure if any have ever been put into use?) so those who do not wish to print their ticket (or can't) but not risk being caught short on the train could perhaps scan the ticket on a TVM to have a ticket/code printed onto standard ticket stock?
Ticket machines are unlikely to ever completely go, even if their numbers could be reduced in time. They could, and should, be updated so they can provide other options - like managing tickets on smartcards, allowing people to plan routes, check times and so on. I don't buy the idea that if and when ticket offices close, they'll remove everything entirely (and if that does happen, it would only be when almost everyone stops using them).
Ticket machines are unlikely to ever completely go, even if their numbers could be reduced in time. They could, and should, be updated so they can provide other options - like managing tickets on smartcards, allowing people to plan routes, check times and so on. I don't buy the idea that if and when ticket offices close, they'll remove everything entirely (and if that does happen, it would only be when almost everyone stops using them).