There is a big difference when it's a choice to use them. You aren't forced or obligated, but people choose to. And they choose them for a reason, they do pretty good these days. People used to hate steam cause it was kinda shit when they first came out. I'm not saying there isn't room for improvement, pretty much everything does. But it could be worse.

I do fully agree, when Gaben steps down/passes I fully expect it to turn to typical gaming company fuckery.