I'm not hostile to them, I'm using Firefox right now. I'm just critical of their choices in certain areas.

Items like the burger menu and status bar being like Chrome's take priority over fixing major issues with the sqlite database(s) (install SQLite manager, you'll be amazed at how long data is being stored) and simple things like being able to view content inside the browser (example bug https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/s... - yes, it's coming up on its 15th birthday).

Most of their design choices are just "me too" instead of anything meaningful or original. I can't fault them too much though, they set out to copy the major browsers early on and they've stuck with it. I just wish they were quicker with less visible fixes and slower on design changes.

I just don't have the time to root/want to bother risking a bricked device anymore. FirefoxOS got dismal reviews and my experience with Mozilla is that they're more concerned with (bad) design rather than functionality. Jolla might be an option but I have my doubts as to whether they have the resources to hang in long term, Ubuntu might. Any option that allows me to delete (or does not have) the mass of pre-bundled crapware/social media apps/etc. and that can turn off the nightly Android phoning home is better than hardware specs in my books.

Honestly, I don't care how mediocre it is - if it gives me control over the software on my device I'm sold. I was dreading buying a new Android

Ahh that's different than what was stated... 15 days after delivery is different than 15 days after purchase.

The rumor proved to be untrue, GFWL is still up and running.

Ontario - Consumer Protection Act. After 30 days they can cancel the sale but they cannot charge extra for executing the sale that would not have been charged otherwise.

Assassin's Creed is the reason. On Xbox they are number 10, 12, 30, 49, 60, 173, 212, 227, 1010, and 1024 most popular games (based on sample of ~300,000 gamers and 3,106 games)

Far Cry helps a bit with Far Cry 3 at #64 and Far Cry 2 at #104.

Trials at #151

Yes, I do. You may not get it but Xbox achievements is a hobby of mine - that's why I made the purchases in the first place, simply for the GFWL functionality. I don't care about an active MP scene, which you might not understand either. It's just what I prefer but because the people at Steam thought the way you do, they decided they knew best for everyone and forced patches on people. I'm not saying the devs were wrong to release the patch, most people would want it, but Steam forcing it on people is wrong.

Hell, Microsoft tried it once with a security update for Windows and people went ape shit. Just because it's entertainment the rules are somehow different?

It's horrible because the impetus for the purchase was Xbox achievements. It's horrible because it sets a precedent that they are somehow allowed to change products you've purchased into completely different products. Sure, you may have hate for GFWL - I didn't. Also, GFWL servers are still up and running, I wouldn't have lost the ability to play anything - the odd developer doubled up (steam & gfwl multiplayer) others didn't patch.

It's Steam's insistence on patches on people is necessary that creates the problem. It removes a person's ability to choose whether or not to apply a patch released by the developer. If the developer released a patch that converted GFWL to Steam and that's something you wanted, great! If not, you simply don't apply it and continue to use GFWL. Sure it might mean you can't connect to everyone for MP, but the choice remains with the person who made the purchase not with the distributor of the game.

Yes they do, Microsoft had the same policy. Then they decided one day "nah, we don't want to do it that way anymore" - what happens when Steam makes the same choice?

I own that as well, that one they released a second version and left the original alone.

They also removed the key from the original purchase when they foisted the new version on people so that they wouldn't be able to re-sell their game.

That would be illegal in the jurisdiction I live in.

oh and btw, Microsoft VP said they expect people to be able to access their content for 25+ years... why would I expect less than their stated claims?

I don't expect them to keep it available forever, I expect them to warn me of a fundamental change in their standard procedures and give me notice that the content is about to become inaccessible. In fact, section 2.5 of their terms of service states that they WILL provide notice - they never do though.

What does it matter? The point is that if you buy software for a specific feature and someone patches it out they've fundamentally altered the product you paid for. The car analogy everyone is so fond of: Would you allow a company to change the colour of your car? It's not terrible if they do - it's just a colour after all. What about the body style? The engine?

Steam's current setup is that you can disable automatic updates on a per-game basis, however, only until you try to play it next at which time it forces the update on you. You can run in offline mode for up to 6 months, losing a huge chunk of Steam/some games in the process, but after 6 months you have to go online to re-validate your DRM and bam - updates.