I prefer that to apps, yes.

Metal tokens that don’t change in functionality at the whims of a random VP at some private company?

Yes. High tech != smart.

The machine can offer credit/debit card payment as well.

Yep. Some rich dude’s company named something dumb doesn’t control my ability to park somewhere .

I can put quarters in the meter.

Yes, that’s correct. Secure, simple, standardized, predictable, robust. Adding a computer to the equation diminishes it in every single way.

You don't always have to optimize for smart.

Using coins or credit card is a far better experience downloading an app.