When I try to start the session though, I think it still connects to a server to verify and I'm unauthorized to proceed any further.
I tried adding the changes you mentioned, but it did not work. This is an old game, so maybe it's connecting to a different set of servers for verification. I don't know how to check which servers are being pinged, though.
You're allowed to link to and discuss pirated content as much as you want. You can give all the guides and information in the world on how to pirate and how to do it safely.
Corporate scum know random people will get scared from seeing official letters, so they use it as an intimidation tactic to get what they want. That's what should really be illegal, but we live in a backwards society that loves abuse for some stupid reasons.