I will agree, that things have changed in gaming, that its now unbearable(?) to even dl a game via regular means. (such as steam)
at times, it does work - however - just like you described, its a PITA to install a bought copy, because if all the (security) questions, choices, menus options, and at times, this is all FORCED that you have no choice but to (sign up) when you don't want to.. ¬_¬ ...(at times) they even leave out that option.
Once UNINSTALLED, they do leave traces of unwanted - junk -material (also) these are so inbedded in the files, that one needs to really search about to remove them, because you know there - "there" - and knowing that is just bothersome.
I'll be honest here...
I (personally) haven't - "bought a game" - (including other media) in a long while and when I hear of these type stories, it just makes it even more conducive to dl them using other (nefarious) means... just to enjoy them without all the - "additions"
Yea, I can suffer without (some) DVD aspects, additions, box-set exclusives and the same goes for games... such as the multi-player aspects, enjoying the single player method, and I also realize that's part of the - "give-in-take" - cause if you want something, you have give up one thing or another...
it just works that way...