I understand the business side reasons for the protection.
However, as a long time freeware developer and modder of flight sims for the last two decades, I am afraid that such measures will have serious impacts on modding community. And it is this community which cares and is able to fix many issues (for free).
I mean, how are we supposed to fix /mod aircraft if we do not have access to the files?
Lately I feel like this franchise is turning its back on this community.