Constant patching, I think.
You cannot argue that there is a problem with Always-On DRM when the license agreement you agree to flat out says that you're just leasing the right to play the game. You also can't argue against it when you buy and play the game anyway. There have always been schemes to prevent piracy, and if you're going to say that this is any worse than in the old days when the game quizzed you on the manual, you're nuts. Lose the manual, lose the ability to play the game.
As for constant patching, I like to hang back and see what kind of patching scheme is going to be used. And if there's constantly new patches coming out, I avoid the game. It's not going to be worth the bugs.
My "Always-On DRM" aggravation does not really come from the producers intent to thwart piracy. Rather, it aggravates me specifically because I am now dependent on the company to play my game at all times. If their servers are down for any reason I cannot play. If for some reason I have no internet connection (i.e. mobile gaming as was mentioned earlier) I cannot play. If the company decides to stop supporting the game I cannot play. Those are the things that frustrate me about "Always-On DRM." I understand that I am leasing the right to play the game, but there is nothing that requires them to maintain the lease. That sucks . It makes me feel as if I have no control over a product I purchased. At least with the old methods of piracy prevention any loss of the game was simply on me.
I voted Persistent DRM. I don't have a problem with developers wanting to retain the integrity of their proprietary rights regarding licenses, copyrights, etc. In fact, I have no problems when DRM kicks in if the user goes online to play the game in MP. My issue is the persistence of DRM. It is not necessary for the SP aspect. I fully understand the concept that when a user purchases a game, they are not buying a product, per se but rather they are buying a license to use the software created by a developer. But, if I choose to run another piece of software that temporarily changes the code of the game, or even if I choose to make a semi-permanent change in the code (modding, for example) I am well within my rights to do so. In short, DRM in MP is fine, DRM in SP...not fine/necessary.
This sums it up for me too. I've got a boss battle part way through Path of Exile that I've failed to beat a half-dozen times. I'm playing solo but the option is there to join a group much like Guild Wars does. I'd love it if I could limit my PoE game to single player only and then take care of this boss quickly and move on... My options are to keep plugging away and join a group to get past Piety. Seems like it will take more strategy going solo then in a group where you could stay back and focus on just surviving? Don't know where this is going to end for me.