That's generally how games worked back then - they'd check for a CD, and maybe load some of the larger data files directly from it, but beyond the CD check itself they'd have no DRM (except maybe a serial number), and a copied CD would work without issue. I remember Age of Empires 1 & 2 both working like this, too.
I would still recommend using the ISO and virtual disc method, since that doesn't involve any modifications to the game files (and for that reason, doesn't matter which exact version of the game you have); alternatively, you could try just making a copy of the CD itself if you have a burner and a blank disc, and use the copy (if the only thing you're worried about is wear and tear, rather than the inconvenience of needing to put a disc in).