GOG is funding the FOSS Heroic Games Launcher through an affiliate partnership: https://heroicgameslauncher.com/donate
You legally didn't "own" your physical games either if you haven't noticed.
It's not legally binding, since it isn't part of the user agreement you review when buying games on Steam.
When have they not had the full package on GOG?
There really is no difference. For almost all intents and purposes, GOG's offline installers can be treated the same way as physical CDs of way back then, with one of the only exceptions being that you cannot resell them.
Nowadays the Heroic Games Launcher is the preferred solution for downloading and running GOG games. It's a community-run project, but officially affiliated with GOG.
The Heroic Games Launcher can download and run GOG games. It's a community-run project, but officially affiliated with GOG.
By now my GOG library has far exceeded my Steam library in size. I was surprised by how many games on my Steam wishlist are also on GOG.
For context, Steam is now forced to display this due to a new law passed in California: https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/26/24254922/california-digital-purchase-disclosure-law-ab-2426
Valve is not doing this out of the goodness of their hearts.
What exactly did Palworld steal? Surely you have sources for your claims
The end result is still part of GOG's revenue going toward the development of Heroic.
It doesn't meet your high standard and that's okay. I prefer to count my blessings in this regard.