Stefek Zaba wrote:

Or did it long enough ago that relying on the metallic conduit for earth
continuity was still an Acceptable Method (or was harking back to the
days when it was ;-)

It still is an Acceptable Method, provided that all joints are screwed
(no slip couplers allowed) [543-03-06] and that the earth terminal of
each wiring accessory is connected to an earth terminal in the
associated mounting box via a separate wire [543-02-07].

--
Andy