Well, in their defense, it seems to actually be a trend...So many steam games, using the same system... That's why I, now-a-days only play arcade games and the occasional Quake/Wolfenstein ^^.
Also, because they're cross-plataform :-P, and I am rarely on windows.
But it's truly sad, from dust, from what I've heard, while they first said that a permanent internet connection to play the game, when it was released, well... a lot of players were disappointed. Steam offered the option to return the game, but I've heard that Ubisoft is going to patch out the need for internet connection, due to too many complains.
Either way, it's astonishing the DRM's they're proposing now-a-days. It's an outrage, really.
For example, in music, Sony, back in '06, started to place rootkits in CD's, to control DRM violation(For those, who don't know what rootkits are, let's just say, you don't want one in your PC, unless you're the one who put it there, because it's a huge security risk). iTunes FairPlay DRM, works by making ridiculous restrictions. Both DRM's were already terminated by their companies, because they realized they were ridiculous( or/and because, they didn't stand a chance, against rippers, really... ).
Hey, I understand the use of DRM, to a certain extent(although, I am against (Yes, really :-P) ), and I don't mind not having more than 3 installs at the same time(shame on the games, that only allowed 3 TOTAL installs), but that's it. I will rip music to make mixes, I will rip e-books, so I can read them on my supportless phone, and I shouldn't be discriminated for that, especially since I pay for them...
Either way, it's legal in EU :-P.