What I don't understand is why you need to download Origin to be able to download a game. If you have an account with Origin surely that should be enough? either way it still registers with their servers without taking up 329MB of space- space which could be used for another of their games. Also if you have the disks then there should be no need for the server, it should be installed in the disk as part of the game's programming.
It doesn't say in the licence agreement that you need to download Origin just that you need to agree and comply with certain rules and regulations. Not everyone wants their movements tracked just to play a game.
by loging into origin and purchasing software they can pinpoint what country you are from and currently playing in, they have access to your date of birth card number/ payment agreement. all too easy for any hacker to access. even if you choose to go 'offline' origin can still find a way of tracking you because you have the software.
I might just be paranoid and cynical but I don't like the weaknesses origin exposes my pc too just to play a game.