Need on-line Connection to Play?

Here is a puzzle, why would FE need a constant internet connection despite being a solitaire game? I know about piracy worries. In contrast, Steam does on-line validation but permits off-line play. I suspect that the service does periodic validation in the background, but NOT all the time. FE kicks me out when my connection is cut the next time I tried to reload from a save game. Isn't this a bit too much?

Here's an insult to the injury, I suspect that the problem isn't even from my end as I've been trying to restart the game to no avail. Apparently, I couldn't get through login process and the game won't start. Yes, I'm one of those lucky fools who became eligible for free FE on account of paying for non-functioning WOM two years back.

Later...