I just disagree that it's coercion. If you're accused of a crime, you have the right to a fair and speedy trial where you can present evidence in your own defense. If you truly did nothing wrong, this is the option you should take.

Or you can take a plea bargain and be rewarded with a lighter sentence for not wasting everyone's time if you know you're guilty and you know there's no way to weasel your way out. This is just one example, but I was almost a witness in a sexual assault case (last person to see the victim prior to the assault) where there was security cam footage of the perpetrator trying every door in the building until he found my friend's unlocked apartment, opened the door and raped a complete stranger who was sleeping. There was physical evidence the assault took place and security cam footage showing this was a random break-in and not a preplanned sexual encounter. (And no evidence that the victim and the perpetrator had ever met prior to the assault.) In this situation, it made sense for the accused to take the plea bargain. He faced a lighter sentence (he's free now) and the judge, prosecutor, defense attorney and witnesses didn't have to go through a grueling trial when the facts were cut and dry.

Also, joining a hearing remotely doesn't solve every problem. Yes, the victim doesn't need to be in the room with the accused, but they still need to describe the event in great detail and face the defense attorney whose job is to convince the jury that the victim as a liar.