Get Tunebite and use the Converter feature, that will convert protected files to unprotected. Technically it will NOT break DRM but play and record the music with saving to new files, which are named as you like and get tagged correctly. That also means that only files can be converted where you now have a valid license for.
Sorry, I don't understand how far you got in investigating the solution for your need, as you say on one hand "everyone skirts this issue" but on the other hand you found your way to this forum, where Tunebite is offered.