I think it is some limitation in v7.2 and appears date related
I've tested it offline and online - so i don't believe it looks like anything is being blocked, but that could be possible ?
If i restart my server running ESMC with a system date of 8/12/23 - it works OK whether online or running offline - when i move the date to 9/12/23 or later and restart my server, then ESMC and Agent fails to start.
I'm testing it currently by changing date/time on server after booting it with an earlier date to get the services running - i don't know how long it will stay online though