How do I bypass the EA App and access Origin to play games.

Actually, user @tom_looken deserves all the credit for originally posting the solution--which I marked as the answer to our woes. I've just been re-posting this solution in various places to be sure others are finding it. A big thanks goes out to user tom_looken on this.

Also....in case some haven't been following all this threads (that were merged) it was mentioned to be possible to install EA client and then do a clean install of the Origin client afterwards. Then apply the code line in the local.xml of course after first attempt at logging in on the Origin cient. This way you could start EA client, minimize it, start Origin and run your game from Origin. This supposedly resolves an issue with some games that are looking for the EA client background process to be running. Again, that's not MY solution....just paying it forward.

Edit: Also....the links for downloading the Origin client made by EA Games just redirect you to downloading the EA client. That's why I had been posting the link I've been using....which was at TechSpot-- https://www.techspot.com/downloads/5783-origin.html

However, there are other places still hosting previous versions of the Origin client. Just don't expect to find a 'good' link on EA's sites. But, be careful which source you choose...pick reputable sites to avoid potential virus and always virus check your downloads.