Ah. I interpreted it as meaning removing the option was magical. This seems like just an increase in the dark patterns that were already present around local

Ah. I interpreted it as meaning removing the option was magical. This seems like just an increase in the dark patterns that were already present around local accounts, not a qualitative difference. Microsoft has been pushing back against local accounts hard in the setup process - you already had to carefully jump through hoops to make one. Trying again without network access is actually one of the first things I'd try, but yes, it's undiscoverable for most people.