i think the lead lengths on the electrolytics might be for pick and place machines ?
But they still have to mark the polarity, ( for instance the assemblers I use, preform all the components and cut to length before hand assembly )
The real hassle now is that I have found some wonderful bright LEDs, the long leg is + anode, but so is the flat on the rim, and so is the larger part of the die, both of which are normally - cathode.
When I queried this with my supplier i China, she said they call them the reverse polarity type !
As for chip numbers, the good old days had the numbers printed white, but I think they laser print them now, and often if I cant read it I take a shot with the digital camera, and blow it up on the viewfinder !
I never have to think of the colour code on resistors after 55 years I know them by looking, until my main supplier decided to just sell 2% tolerance or whatever, so now they have the extra stripe, so I am with you Lefty, and always check with my meter.