You can just set up a private match and face off against bots in DoW2. Honestly, it's about all I do on there, I'm not big on the competitive play, either. Last Stand, however, is a blast.

In regards to Steam, though, it's a pretty fantastic service. It's tough to find better prices on their sale days (there's one or more games on sale every day, and usually a big one every weekend), and they do provide pretty decent service in regards to keeping friends lists and communication regardless of the game one's in.

It would be nice if it were optional at all points, but as far as businesses go, it's done well by developers and consumers.