This is confusing me a bit too, because I brought the game, though my original download was from the FFXIV site iirc, through Steam, but mine doesn't look like that. Mine has two faces where the feather should be and I don't have to pay my sub through steam.

So I'm unsure if it's flagged as a steam account or not. I'd presume it would be still, but if there's a way I can leave Steam without losing my characters, I would love to find out.

If I have to start a new character, so be it. But with most of my crafting classes at level 50, I can't say I relish the idea of starting again.