Not sure if this helps but stay with me, trying to rationalise (didn't help Yossarian much)

Think we all have our pet hates, eg I don't touch mobiles and don't watch TV (too controlled).  The Internet made much more sense once I got a connection that did more that 3Mb/s.

Re: installer - When installed 2014 it downloaded the based and SR all automatically, no fuss.

Connection to the Internet means it can automatically detect and advice on updates, something to our benefit not SM

True some of the internet connectivity is to push their sites like Content Paradise but if you put wireshark on it can be seen other sites are also linked to Poser startup, possibly somekind of product browser/portal for Poser content was planned that never took off. True its to make money from us but we're all grown-ups right?

Other components (eg flash) have their own Internet connectivity functions that have nothing to do with SM. They can cause problems to Poser.

If big brother is your concern, I don't know but suspect big business does far more tracking via people's use of their phones, credit cards,loyality cards etc than from Internet.  If that's a concern using cash only and no cell phones is the best bet.

Biggest concern I have is from the criminals, they have no vested interested in a stable internet and will use it to steal and extort. To my mind its the unseen/unheard that is more of the threat.

Do what you feel comfortable with but I suspect not being connected to the Internet will become more of a pain over time (like me not having a mobile). From the comments read over time it seems the main problem is access speed rather than the direction.

Back to insanity.