The part in quotes is referring to use of the font called _Sage Reporting_ installed by Wkstn Setup. This font is 30 - 40% taller and the width scales down more making it possible to make a landscape report with a lot of columns fit into portrait size. E.g. Inventory Valuation Report Condensed. In 2018, some P/R and J/C reports have them for that same purpose. In 2017 it's in a few scattered places between A/R, S/O, and I/M.
Having said all that, I don't know have a list of reports that use it but I do know G/L Detail Report does NOT use it. So the clause of the hieroglyphics is something else. Prolly the print driver like you mentioned so I don't think copying back an older version of the RPT would help but you could try it.