How things change in just over 15 years.

1992:

Buy Doom after getting to try 1/3 of the game first.

* Be able to play it via dialup modem or LAN for as long as you have the working equipment.
* Be able to sell the game after you're done with it and have that second user have the game be just as usable to them.
* Enjoy playing thousands of user-created maps and mods -- anything from a monster health editor to a porn graphic replacement mod.

2008:

Buy game X.

* Require internet permission to install it. Hopefully you haven't committed the mortal sin of installing it more than three times.
* Require internet permission every time you wish to run the game.
* Require CD checking despite the above.
* Unable to sell the game to people who want something more than a coaster.
* Multiplayer server for Game X goes down after year because Game X 2009 edition is now out. People who still want to play the original Game X via LAN/hosted internet games are SOL and anyone hacking together hosting capabilities likely receives notice from lawyers.
* Have some type of over-zealous security check built into the game mess with your computer, internet connection, or both.
* Deal with an over-moderated/sterile mod community.

The second thread you link almost reads like a Monty Python skit.

"You won't let me *not* play for free?! Well, in that case I'll cancel my *second* and *third* accounts dedicated to not playing! See how you like me not playing for free now! And my first account? Well, it'll not only 'not play' all that often, but pay to do so! In your face, CCP!"

I've had to pull a few strings to grab a hold of the expansion's source code. Luckily the download should be a small one.

GenerateExpansion()
    for (i = 1..200)
        GenerateSolarSystem()
    end for
end GenerateExpansion()

GenerateSolarSystem()
      GeneratePlanets(random(1..20))
      GenerateBases(random(1..3))
      GenerateAsteroidFields(random(1..5))
      GenerateSecurityLevel(random(0.0..1.0))
      Connect(this, universe)
end GenerateSolarSystem()

I kid, I kid...