> Microsoft will see fit to release an official XP activation tool for posterity.

Free Idea for Microsoft: Windows XP PCs but like those mini consoles[0] that have been released recently. Could be preloaded with games from the era and intended to be used offline so patches don't matter.

[0]https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_Classic

I might buy that just for pinball and freecell!

Pinball was decompiled a while back; you can even run it on macOS/Linux[1].

I take no responsibility for the ensuing impact to your productivity.

[1]: https://github.com/k4zmu2a/SpaceCadetPinball