I am having the same issue as OP, and I have played recently but pre-latest patch. Last patch forced log out of the launcher, so have to re-log in.
Running the game from steam, launcher opens, requests a login.
I log in, "You must redeem or purchase a copy of this game!"
I go to check on frontier's garbage website to make sure my Steam account is linked, yup it's linked.
Re-installed, try again - nope, same issue.
Ok, try launching from the icon - same issue.
Try launching direct - same issue.
I have 360+ hours in this game, but magically now Frontier can't seem to find my linked account.
FOH, this is just bad.
Running the game from steam, launcher opens, requests a login.
I log in, "You must redeem or purchase a copy of this game!"
I go to check on frontier's garbage website to make sure my Steam account is linked, yup it's linked.
Re-installed, try again - nope, same issue.
Ok, try launching from the icon - same issue.
Try launching direct - same issue.
I have 360+ hours in this game, but magically now Frontier can't seem to find my linked account.
FOH, this is just bad.