> I always thought of reversible computing as a sort of platonic ideal that cannot truly exist in real life

It's been experimentally demonstrated. Practical or not, the effect is real.

From the abstract, the idea is that we can continue to shrink: "...in a manner in which no thermodynamic entropy is created or passed to the surroundings."

The objection seems to be the "free lunch" assumptions being made about shrinkability.

"What Is TANSTAAFL?" https://youtu.be/ZrZUe7R44eA?si=oK2H1L9ha1zQhDOh