I honestly think people here are completely misunderstanding this thing.
Let's say you're at a political mixer, the Chamber of Commerce. You're talking with other business-owners, employees (not everyone can own the business, and it doesn't have to be that way nor does one have to be the owner for people to want to remember you), and you want to be able to contact someone post-mixer. What's easier? Having a card handed to you, or having them write shit down on a piece of paper (likely a napkin at one of these things)? Maybe they've got a smartphone or iPhone, something like that, that makes the business card redundant, but maybe they're more old school than that.
Or, how about a political mixer? Again, same sort of thing, you want to remember others and want them to be able to remember and contact you.
How about a charitable event? A trade show? Someone you meet on the street or at a social event? Honestly, why is it so wrong?
EG; my own husband. He doesn't own the business he works for, but he's at a position where he's responsible for quite a bit, and having a card is really expected.
This is silly, really, getting all hot about the idea of prestige being tied to a business card. It's information, that's it.