The DLM Glossary of 1973 defines darshan as:

Coming into the presence of the Perfect Master or His Holy Family.

And Rawat's father, in Hans Yog Prakash, also said darshan required being in the guru's physical presence:

Let the Holy Name dwell in your heart, and make good use of each breath, says Kabir. Any sacrifice is worthwhile, if you get one moment of the darshan (personal presence) of a saint.

Here's a story, also from Hans Yog Prakash, that implies rather strongly that darshan was not possible otherwise:

 Once upon a time Lord Indra, the God of the gods, was sitting on his throne in his court. The whole house of heaven was there, together with King Kubera, Lord of wealth. Then Brihaspati, the Guru of the gods, came in, but Lord Indra did not rise to bow before Him as He entered. Brihaspati, when He saw the pride of Lord Indra, returned to His home with all the other guests. Then Indra repented, and asked himself, "Why did I behave so stupidly?" And he went to the ashram of Guru Brihaspati. But on account of this incident, Indra could not receive the darshan of the Perfect Master.

Then there's this further quote:

Resolve to receive the darshan of Satguru. No one should come before Guru Maharaj Ji without bringing a fruit, flower, leaf or some other offering.

I can't wait to hear Jonx's explanation for this Orwellian mischief.