1NOFEAR1

If it maliciously stops something from working then it's malware by definition, clue's in the 'mal' part of ware. And yes, it is software. It's not hardware is it? It's code that runs on your computer. 
 
Anyway I'm not arguing anymore, as my first post indicated I was a big fan of the plugin I literally had no idea it was malware until I read this thread, I regret that I did, it's unlikely I'll be without a connection but saddens me that if I ever am I have software that'll maliciously prevent me from playing a game.
 
I've removed it and will look to an alternative, maybe a freelancer can be paid to remove the malicious code or rewrite a similar plugin for me I'll have to look into it.

It's required because the author wants greater control of their software. People can make their own judgement call as to whether they want to tolerate that or not, but I don't think it's fair to dress it up as some sort of thing that's a requirement for better synchronization.