As a steam user with zero issues (since 3.2) I have to ask one question specifically while ignoring every other complaint because I'm not going to touch this otherwise:

What kind of issues are you mentioning about steam downtime being a problem? I've been a steam user since 3.2 and not once have I been impaired from being able to play or login. I know steam can have maintenances on Tuesday but other than that I'm drawing a blank on this particular complaint.