I don't think it makes sense that cellular activation, which has not been active for several years now, would lock down the entire device, refusing me access to

I don't think it makes sense that cellular activation, which has not been active for several years now, would lock down the entire device, refusing me access to my own data, not to mention being able to use the device over local WiFi network. Do you disagree? (I am nowhere near a "Genius Bar".)