"Yes. But technically you don't have to even have email. Let's say you are in Afghanistan with the game on a laptop, and no internet connection. You can call up your buddy from the states and have him complete the manual activation.
I know what you mean though.. Maybe we should put a note that an internet connection is required for Online activation."
And perhaps a note that you will need a computer to play the game.

Hi.
The point is that the serial number has to be validated before the game can be made into a full registered version. If you do not have an internet connection, or if don't know someone who can help you out, then there is no way to activate the game. Maybe your next door neighbor could do it for you, or if your lucky you could use a computer in a local internet cafe sort of deal.
I know, people would ask how this person was able to get the game if he didn't have the internet, but like my past birthday I was given 3 games all downloaded via the internet ( I didn't download them). Now with that said, I sure wouldn't like to be made responsible to help my friend out to activate his game for him every time he wished to transfer it over from his desktop to his laptop every time, after awhile I'll probably would like to slap him upside of his head for bothering me so much.
To me having "internet required for activation" posted is as important as having the system cpu specs, and video card specs....and yes the having a monitor as well.
Just my opinion, and my 3 cents worth on the matter.