I use MSFS through steam and there is definitely some kind of obfuscation with marketplace purchases even if not outright encryption.
Besides slow (or no) updates this is why I try not to buy through the marketplace as it prevents me using aircraft with tools such as M3. Don’t have the same issue with most direct from flightsim.to, ORBX, Contrail, etc.
This is the compromise I’ve told myself at the moment. If if I can’t stand to fly the aircraft myself at least I can still use it to see others flying them so the money wasn’t a complete waste
Often the visuals are good but things like the system implementation is sub-par and that’s why I’d be wanting a refund on most cases.