Hey Dvz,
as all History editions (I bought 1701 and 1404) can be installed and played without CD-Rom it makes definetely sense for me to get a new licence without CD-Rom.
What to to if your CD has scratches is lost or your new PC doesn't have a CD-Rom dive anymore? - big advantage for the History edition asit is possible to install, start and play from the Ubisoft Connect platform.
As well no patches needed to be install in a timely manner as often caused trouble when I look back to Anno 1701 with patch 1.04 and 2.03 for the addon. And, for 1701 the multiplayxer is back and works fine - we still play 3 days a week with buddies from the early times.
I guess that the History Edition of 1602 has similar advantages.
Don't care of teh money - you spend much more money for useless stuff
kind regards
Chippy