Ah sure. I didn't mean they were now unpopular. Just that the need for them has drawn down as many things you would automate via expect now have better api-based choices. Or have otherwise dwindled...I don't see too many modem banks around these days.

Very true, formerly command line only network devices now have APIs in some cases; the Cisco Meraki devices don't even have a CLI, only a cloud based web mgmt GUI, or a Restful API.