No, that language is in both GPLv1 and GPLv2 (in GPLv3 it’s “anyone who possesses the object code”).

Yes, it’s one of a list of alternatives. The GPLv1 and GPLv2 sole applicable alternative to the written offer is to send the source code together with the compiled code; i.e. to all customers, in the box. Which they presumably didn’t do, so I don’t know why you bring it up.

(GPLv3 adds the allowable alternative to point to a web page or similar where the source code may be downloaded. I.e. you don’t have to waste money by shipping a CD, you can just print the URL on a note or in the manual. But this was the GPLv2, not v3, so it’s not applicable here, nor has anyone said that any such URL was provided.)