They were in effect when he was discharged, so your point is moot.
No, he's right. The replacement sections now in effect replaced the language in older sections. The reference we're using may be wrong. I'd say this is grounds for caution.
I don't have the repealed sections on line, but I'd be willing to bet that the substance is pretty much the same. I know that the procedure of involuntary separation of reserve officers who did not get promoted was in effect in the '70s and '80s because I knew people who were so discharged: They did their 2-3 years active duy, were transferred to the IRR, never were called for drill, were transferred to the inactive or standby reserve for a few years, and then after a few more years (more than the 6-8 since commissioning) received an involuntary sep letter and an honorable discharge.