Error Code: EC:204 (can't play offline, says "game license has expired")

I am beyond frustrated at a persistent issue that's on EA's side & not the consumer--unable to play the games/content I paid for and getting minimal help/support.

I try to launch Sims 4 in offline mode to avoid updating the game and therefore mods. This has worked countless times for the 10 years TS4 has been around. When I attempt to launch in offline mode I get error code EC: 204 saying my game license needs renewal.

I found previous threads on Forums and followed all troubleshooting tips that were supposed to incorporate the EA hot fix after discovering it was an app bug, none of them have worked.

1. Cleared cache
2. Task manager--> quit EA app and all EA processes
3. Verified game version is current
4. Ran EA App Updater which reports the app is already up to date then closes
5. Logged out/in with PC restart
6. Verified all EA access with firewall/antivirus 

Any help is appreciated