So they are taking away the “Join a Domain instead” option? Because that let’s you set up a local account, defaults to WORKGROUP, and you can still manage local accounts via lusrmgrmsc.
There are several options to bypass this. The easiest is to make a bootable USB drive using RUFUS with the installation media from Microsoft. You just pick the option to use a local account, and it still works just fine. If you go through the thread one of the posters provided directions and a link to do it another way using the command line.
I know a lot of people who get their panties in a wad about this, but there is nothing stopping you from using an alias with your new Microsoft account. You can use a $3 a month pay as you go cell account for your primary phone number and a Google number for your alias. These are handy for many other purposes as well.
Personally, I usually associate my installations with a Microsoft account that I use sometimes with as few as one computer. This can make it easier to keep using your retail license if you change your hardware or start with another clean install.