Although I completely agree with your fundamental view, I believe there is some misunderstanding. It’s more 'business model" than policy.
A snip from one of TabloSupport’s comments (in whole and linked below)
Our focus is also on developing the product to be easy-to-use for the average non-technical user.
They want to keep things easy and simple, not overwhelm the support system with calls and tickets I suppose. (reading some questions here you get a feel where some “typical” consumers understandings for tech can range). You may see it as marketing to the lowest common denominator.
I completely agree, and mentioned in the post, it probably would take much to work around this. Me, I use my tablo for recording. 3rd party apps to convert recordings to mp4 files and use "media’ PCs for viewing and streaming – but that’s me. Many of these apps store IP or have discovery and some have “play” function.
I’d rather not use proprietary devices or app with little control - FF and hope for the best, if there’s a thumbnail?!?
Then there’s always some guy telling you “mine worked”… so what’s your problem? oh yea, I know more stuff.
Although I do find the box a bit misleading - need internet for downloading guide and out of home streaming (implies only), there is this https://www.tablotv.com/blog/tablo-faqs-do-i-need-internet-use-tablo-ota-dvr/ much, as you’ve noted is exaggerated.