In the Apple world, it is the hardware that is licensed, while for Windows, it is the software. It's a small, but important difference.
That was a big thing years ago with Linux users wanting to get refunds for the Windows License they were forced to buy, and it never really changed.
That said, I'm skeptical of OP's idea that this makes a difference for how Microsoft offers ISOs. I don't really think it does; Microsoft OSes all have activation and they freely offer ISOs. macOS's lack of activation is attributable to the fact that they license the OS with the hardware, but I don't think it's a relevant detail for Microsoft's ISO downloads. I'd tend to think some minor speedbumps in the download process are just because Microsoft would prefer people to use their fancy Media Creation Tool instead of downloading an ISO. The Media Creation Tool replaces both the ISO download and Rufus; it's much easier to use and I can see why Microsoft would direct users to it.
We kinda are if we are talking about a comparison with MAC...
Further if your position is windows needs to block this for piracy reasons due to server sales, anyone buying an enterprise server 99% chance they have a EA, MPSA, or some other licensing agreement already and are not using Rufus to create their Windows 11 USB Keys to install of windows
Pointing to the Server market is just a weak as the defense using MAC...
>Microsoft would prefer people to use their fancy Media Creation Tool instead of downloading an ISO. The Media Creation Tool replaces both the ISO download and Rufus; it's much easier to use and I can see why Microsoft would direct users to it.
I dont think that is it at all, this a classic hallmark of legal trying to find something to do, or some one in marketing wanting people to see all of the ads for Office 365 and other services before downloading the ISO