I think this is leaning closer and closer to a compromise like the one used by the ArmA series (aka, steam comes with the version sold on steam, but it's not used by the boxed versions), which i find to be good news. Steam seems to be completely optional, depending on the kind of version you choose to buy (buying via Steam or getting a boxed edition). Keeping my fingers crossed
I like this because i don't think one can keep a community together by forcing standards on them. I know i wouldn't use any of Steam's community features for example, even if it was mandatory, because i really only engage in multiplayer with people i already know in real life or in a couple of public servers.
Look at the amount of anguish generated recently, simply by lack of clear information on how steam is implemented...
Imagine now that steam was mandatory for everyone and someone had a connection issue in the middle of a sortie, you'd be getting pro/anti-Steam flames not only on the forums but also while flying in multiplayer.
People would stop flying the mission and rather split up into steamers and non-steamers, mixed bag of Luftwaffe and RAF aircraft on both teams, trying to shoot down the "infidels". Maybe that's what the "renegade pilots" in the promotional material referred to
