Naturally no DRM at all is the best, but the closest we can get is probably a simple disc check and that's what I prefer. Besides, if I want to, I can usually just crack the game.
However, it seems people like Steam a lot these days. I don't. But it would be great if I could choose to use the game without Steam and if I happen to like Steam, I could register the game on Steam. It can't be a big issue (I mean it shouldn't be very hard to do.)
One game, one account isn't good, it's actually pretty restrictive. Always-online is possibly the worst idea for DRM I've ever even heard, and unfortunately it has even happened. Oh, and activations aren't any good either. Single-player games shouldn't be dependant on internet connection at any times: I'm fine with SP games checking key validity online if I have access to internet but they shouldn't require it. For multiplayer it shouldn't be an issue since obviously you're already online if you're playing multiplayer.
I think we can (or at least should, as consumers) agree that disc-check/no DRM and optional registration on the preferred service is the best way.
Oh, and I will most probably either not get the game at all or pirate it (most likely the former though) if it's easier to play a pirated copy than it is to play a legal copy. DRM only serves to push me closer to piracy, it is insulting towards honest customers who have to go through more trouble than pirates.
And now that I remember, I might also mention that I'm fine with DRM if it's completely removed within the first few weeks after release. I believe publishers have said zero-day and first-day piracy to be the biggest issues. Having DRM for those times could be a solution, and when the DRM is already cracked, officially removing it would be a nice thing to do that would probably get me to buy more games, too.
