It is their prerogative. They (and Arrowhead) fucked up with Helldivers by removing and then retroactively requiring it. By the time I got the game though it was already required for new players again.

If it means we can cross play to their console I'm fine with it (a feature I wanted). For a single player game it's annoying but as long as it costs nothing I don't care anymore.

I do feel strongly that we need some consumer protections though - and this extends beyond games alone. Any server shutdown (authentication or gameplay affecting) should have a mandatory removal of the requirement or opening of the server to self host. But I digress...