One minor problem is that the paper ticket is anytime, but the contactless fare had peak/off-peak fares…
So if you buy a paper ticket at 0925, you’ll pay 6.70 GBP. If you touch in and travel immediately you’ll pay 3.40 GBP (peak fare), but if you stop for a coffee first and the time ticks over past 0930 before you touch in, you’ll get the off-peak 2.80 GBP fare.
(I think there is actually a little grace time, and it may be when you complete the journey which matters, but the principle holds).
So if you buy a paper ticket at 0925, you’ll pay 6.70 GBP. If you touch in and travel immediately you’ll pay 3.40 GBP (peak fare), but if you stop for a coffee first and the time ticks over past 0930 before you touch in, you’ll get the off-peak 2.80 GBP fare.
(I think there is actually a little grace time, and it may be when you complete the journey which matters, but the principle holds).