You don't think that excluding the largest competitor gives them room to negotiate rates with the rest? I'm not sure what makes you think they would hesitate to do this with GamersGate if they can do it with Steam.

You can label it false all you like but I think it's a pretty valid assumption.

I think like the quote implies, that EA is basically testing the waters to see if they can get away with this so I'm worried about the precedent it sets.

I think what everyone (ok a lot of people here) want to see is Battlefield 3 being offered in as many places as possible, including their favorite sales platform whether it be Steam or not. That kind of competition is the best way to ensure better prices and convenience for consumers.

I wasn't being literal anyway and you knew that.