Monolithic, linear, as opposed to object based or modular is what I was inferring. 
Having spent 15 years as an instructor, I know the tribulations of supporting education environments.. I was thinking more along the lines of when somethnig 5-6 years old breaks, it likely HAS to be replaced rather than repaired. (of course, it could take 2 years to get the repair/replace budget approproved.)
Regarding limiting one printer mapped to a workstation, you're right - you can add more lines to the case statements. I was referring to your example. I'm often guilty of slipping into "instructor mode" when I answer questions - I tend to reply "for the masses" and not always the individual.
As for the "Gods of Programming", I think it's a "monolith", not "monolithic code" that they expect us to worship, but - hey - it would not be the first time I was wrong! 
Glenn
_________________________
Actually I
am a Rocket Scientist!
