For those angry about the latest steam patch, vent your frustration here:
http://www.bethsoft.com/eng/contact_email.php
This is what I wrote them:
-----------------------------------------------------
Hello
With the recent steam patch I suddenly cannot run the game anymore without being logged on to steam.
In the past ,the launcher required steam but the TES4.exe didn't.
Now not only does it prevent launch without steam but also it prevents me from using the 4gb+ memory patch that enables Skyrim to use my 16gb ddr3 memory.
Luckily I had a Skyrim backup and was able to revert the changes (and disabled the auto update on Steam for Skyrim) but I do want to note that untill this is fixed, me and many others will NOT be updating our game. We have the right to use our system to it's full potential and not be limited to 2gb of memory use.
Also be aware that this forced Steam logged in requirement will NOT stop piracy. People who download the games do NOT somehow download the steam files. They download the Razor1911 release released on 2011-11-10. Which of course does not require steam at all..
So in short, all you are doing is annoying the people who DID buy the game and in effect giving the people who pirate the game a better experience then those who paid.
I hope this change will be reverted in the future.