There is a valid argument against the DRM being that your ancient air-gapped system should be able to run the game still but can't run the DRM due to the requirements changing after the point of purchase. Perhaps there is a discussion to be had about whether DRM should be removed once you change the system requirements drastically, but this feels like a rare circumstance.

The simple solution is to get DRM-free copies from GOG where possible. Archive the installers if you're worried about future compatibility. That way you can have a nostalgic Windows 98 machine or whatever that only plays games and won't bug you with random unprovoked changes and updates from day to day.