RRsignal, I could not have done half as good a job at laying out the facts of the matter than you yourself have, and I thank and aplaude your for doing so.
You've done such a fine job, that there is not much I can add, except my support. I am fully opposed to anything more than an in-game serial number confirmation system, such as implemented in TS12 Pre SP1 and older products.
I only began using Trainz products a few years ago, because I had a falling-out with the owner of the largest MSTS forum on the planet, but I am more than willing to swallow my pride, and return to that community if the current trend of N3V's implementation of DRM continues in the Trainz franchise.
My concerns with DRM;
1. I paid a premium price for the right to use software, DRM gives the vendor the ability to take that right away at any undetermined future time, for any undetermined future reason, without issuing to me a refund of my investment.
--A prime example of this is Railworks2012. I had invested quite a sum of money in the core game, and a good bit of DLC: I was forced to either terminate my use of the product and forfeit my purchase price of the DLC, OR agree to allow them to update my application and control what is/is not installed on my computer. I chose to discontinue my use of the product. They lost a customer because they made a business choice that I did not agree to.
2. As was mentioned, at any point in time, N3V may decide that "Trainz for PC" is no longer a viable and cash producing product, and may discontinue support in any form, including removal of "means to activate" previously sold products.
--A recent example; Several years ago, I purchased Coral Paint Shop Pro X3. I installed it on each of my computers (2 desktops, and 2 laptops = 4 activations). Recently, I decided to clean out 2 of the 4 computers, and did a complete format and reinstall of Windows, followed by reinstalling all software. I was able to install PSPx3 on my desktop computer and activate it (5th activation), but after installing on my laptop, I was told I had exceeded my allowed number of activations vis their "phone home" online activation system. OK, GREAT! So I proceeded to call the 1-800 phone number to activate over the phone...not to be allowed, as they disconnected the number supplied in the software "for assistance activating" ...GRRRRRr!
---Having gotten just about as frustrated as could be, I finally found an email applet on their website (for help with purchasing a new vesion PSPx5/6, ironically) and submitted a request for an explaination. I was told I would need to purchase a NEW version of PSP, because the PSPx3 version I had was no longer supported. I explained over the course of a dozen emails back and forth that I did not need "support", I just needed to have my existing-fully functional-not broken software activated.
-----After several weeks of back and forth, they FINALLY gave me a one time activation for my laptop, but told me in no uncertain terms; If I ever had to re-activate it again, I would have to shell out another $150.00 for a new version, which would only be supported for approximately 24 months.
This example actually hits on the "limited number of activations" aspect of DRM more than the "no longer supported" aspect, but I think it illistrates both well enough to scare the bejezzerz out of anyone making a substantal money investment in ANY software.
3. Internet connection and reliability; Though this is not N3V's responsability, they need to take a lot more consideration of this factor.
--I live in an area that has many options of ISP's, except on the half mile stretch of the road I live on. For some un-Godly reason, the Utility companies decided some 40 years ago to put all Utility wires on my stretch of road UNDERGROUND (everything around us is above-ground on power poles), and we often times lose internet and power with a heavy rain storm. Even when I do have internet, it is slow, and unreliable (for High Speed DSL). I've even gone so far as to contact the FCC, filed a complaint and gone through the process of investigation and Phone Company coming out to make some half-baked repairs...all to no final solution, short of digging up the utilities and installing above ground poles...which they refuse to do. My only two internet options are Dial-up through the phone company, or HS-DSL, through the phone company...both on the exact same wires. The cable companies will NOT install underground cables, because there are only 7 houses here, and not enough revenue to justify the capital investment, and "cellular-Internet" is not an option due to restrictions on both speed and bandwidth.
----If future Trainz products include DRM protocalls that will require a live internet connection, I will have no choice but to abandon all future versions.
I may add more later, as time permits.
