I think Steam is the only piece of software (apart from viruses, or is Steam a kind of virus?) that actively tries to install itself onto as many PCs as possible, even for single player games.  Sometimes, freedom of choice and not having to run a program all the time when another program is running. has to come before "gee beaut Steam is so cool, they bring so many cool features and are so cheap!".

A good example of groupthink is that people were saying about "how cheap all the Steam games are!", but if there was a cheaper deal without Steamworks, which was available before the Steam version, nobody talks about it.  You have to be extremely wary when there is a tendency for everyone to say how great something is and there is virtually no reporting on any opposing views of it by those in control of the purse-strings.  Stardock can admit their failings.  I haven't heard anything from Valve admit there might be *anything* wrong with exclusive Steam distribution and Steamworks on so many single player games.

I think it will be fantastic when Impulse:Reactor is ready as a platform.  Sometimes, fresh cool water is better than steam.

Best regards,
Steven. 

Or you could buy the retail version of the game and then stick it on a shelf unopened, download the steam free version and play the games you want without giving in to steam's invasive tactics.  Bethesda, Firaxis, etc. still get their money from your sale, but steam doesn't get to market their products on your computer.