Having to download something before listening is an inconvenience. The job of technology is to remove inconveniences. Therefore, what you say is absolutely true.Whether it's MQA or some other invisible format, does anyone here think that there is any future for visibly file-based music at all? I don't. And therefore I don't think there's a future for non-DRM music. All we will have is pointers to content in the cloud that may, or may not, have restrictions placed on who has access to it and how much our bank accounts will be debited by.
In 2017 I probably bought $5,000 worth of music (most downloads, some CDs). In 2018 I switched to using Tidal and bought I think one CD and no downloads. Anything I wish to listen to at home or in the car is there for me so I just pay the monthly and am happy. See a recommendation for something others enjoy? A few seconds later I am hearing it through streaming. My library is constantly growing because of these recommendations with purchase decision not getting the way anymore.
Of course the general public is hugely there already with many not even using computers anymore to want to download anything.
As for restriction, a magical thing happened with Steve Jobs forced the labels to allow him to distribute music without DRM. From then on, the music industry is not worried about content protection. The only protect they demand and is there is to make sure you are a subscriber. I see no reason for them wanting to put any other restriction on the music. I just leave the door ajar for Apple creating Apple-only solutions. Smart speakers with their boundaries is one such area.