Should 1C/UBI make Steam optional?

[Les]

This is a deliberately biased poll to show 1C/UBISOFT/Maddox Games how many people here want Steam to be optional with the new release, and so perhaps help make it so.

The suggestion is, that the publishers include all the Steam features in the new series, but only make it compulsory to install Steam if you want to use those features, relying on SolidShield for DRM protection in the case of those users who choose not to install Steam and use third-party multi-player browsers and manual patching instead.

To quote myself from the other thread -

"They should release the game in such a form that it only requires SolidShield activation for online or off-line use.

But the default built-in multi-player browser should still be linked to Steam, so that you require a Steam account to use those default built-in multi-player features.

That way, anyone can play off-line with or without installing Steam, and play online with or without installing Steam, though not using Steam would require connecting to a server via direct ip or by using a third-party browser...

...SolidShield for DRM online activation, Steam registration for optional use of the default built-in multi-player browser.

Patches and extra content released through Steam and through the traditional channels..."