Re: I'm seeing all kinds of stuff about CS6 working as usual... that I don't have to use the Cloud. So why is it trying to force me to license the product when I've already done that? All I did was buy a new Mac and now I can't use Illustrator.

Rob,

Or it can be some strange error muddling things up by including CC subscription.

Have you reinstalled everyhting using the full three step way?

Uninstall, run the Cleaner Tool, and reinstall.

http://www.adobe.com/support/contact/cscleanertool.html