Any recommendations from the Steam Spring Sale?

True, but if it annoys you enough, there are tools to help you remove the requirement.

https://github.com/YoteZip/LinuxCrackingBible?tab=readme-ov-file#6-drm-stripping-guides

There are other tools too.

I have over 600 hours in Anno 1800 and highly recommend it buuuut I would advise people consider the more expensive edition that includes all the expansions.