Pseudo-anonymous non-reversible transfer-over-distance is the new thing, yes. Earlier it was typically required with physical deliveries.
Well, I do remember we had troubles with extortion/ransoms at my previous work place - "pay up, or we'll DDoS you off the Internet". That was before Bitcoin was invented, I wonder how the payment was supposed to be arranged. Maybe a SWIFT-transfer to some country where it would be difficult to pursue to criminal.
Of course we never paid up, that would be an outright invitation for more extortion.
Wow I haven't heard of the DDoS extortion. In the news it seems always reported for unknown reasons.