...but for distributed databases specifically, you can use a different algorithm like Calvin[0] or Fauna[1] that do not require external atomic clocks… but the CS point and the wealth of info in research papers (in distributed systems stuff) are solid
...but there is a lot of noise in those software papers, too - you are often disappointed by fine print, or have good curators/thought-leaders [2] - we all should share names ;)
enjoying the discussion though - very timely if you ask me.