An interesting point-of-view about this whole mess:
http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2013/03/11/simcity-is-inherently-broken-lets-not-let-this-go/
I think the true test of always online will be consoles. If a console exclusive with always online can achieve fairly decent success I think it will quickly become the norm.
If anything I'm wagering that consoles are much better suited to always online due to the next few points.
PC gaming is booming in more undeveloped countries, mostly due to a PC having much more versatility than a dedicated gaming console. These areas usually don't have access to sophisticated internet networks required for always on.
There is a decent percentage of laptop gamers which usually fits into students and workers who often travel fair distances without having access to internet. These people will most likely be disgruntled if they can't play their game on the train or ferry.
There's also the whole cracking culture which means that the chances are the game will be cracked in the end.
Consoles are static (with the exception of the handheld console marketplace which is slowly becoming less relevant), that is they sit under the TV set and are rarely moved to another location. This coupled with wireless networking in a lot of homes makes it a lot easier to have a box always connected to the internet. Consoles also generally lack a lot of the cracking options that PCs do.
Finally it would also get rid of that second hand marketplace they loath so much.
Right now the hardest part is getting over the initial hump and forcing a culture change. The technology does seem like it will be in place by the upcoming console generation. A big push by either Microsoft or Playstation (or even bipartisan!) could really change the way we play (or don't play) games.
I of course hate always online but as disgusting as the practice is it's also rather interesting. Will we see consumers win or the onward march of the draconian DRM?