I think all patches should be compatible with this version (I had the same thing done to mine). I think the DRM only affects unlocking the game initially in the download version (which the game has become after the patch), after that it doesn't really matter. That is my understanding of it, I could be, and I hope I am not wrong.
On the subject of game improvements, there is a tool at world of risen that allows autowalk. I don't know if this is a big deal to you, but one of my great pet peeves is unnecessarily holding down a key for dozens of hours. You might want to look in to it, especially if you play for longer sessions (2+ hours at a time).