[CGW]

I think most laboratories are hybrid. They do scan, but then they often print on photographic paper so they do the "souped" part of your question. I don't think it is common to print with ink-jet technology.

The printing on photographic papers is made with machines like the Durst Lambda, which projects coloured light with continuous tone on the paper. This is, in fact, optical printing although it is not made with an enlarger.

A lot more common than you think. The new Fuji dry machines are nothing to sneeze at. Custom optical prints aren't exactly bargain-priced now.

Baffles me how some assume that only analog workflow/optical printing require any degree of skill.