There actually is a version of Windows 11 that exists without any bloat, AI or any other shit (most of the system requirements are also gone) called « Windows Iot LTSC », most of its updates are security ones, and for all I've observed it even escaped some of the crappy « windows killed itself » kinda updates. Any company can get access to it.
I don't know if they use it, but they'd be dumb not to.
Oh I'd say it's impossible to compete regardless of their intent, that being said yes they are absolutely taking advantage of this.
I don't see how having unified launchers would change much though, I mean I like the idea for sure, but it's not the software that made Steam indistinguishable from a monopoly, among many things it's their store and how both studios/developers and gamers are compelled if not forced to use it. Even going through different stores won't change much of that because most studios/devs still have to publish there.
To add to the Microsoft part : https://www.404media.co/power-companies-are-using-ai-to-build-nuclear-power-plants/
wtf Microsoft ?!
Exactly.
Also one of the worst part that you understandably waved off, is that it became and stayed an oligopoly only because their (real) competition has only been interested in offering something worse, so it is enticing to people to use Steam and think of it as a well intended company when in fact it just has different priorities. To most people it appears as the better end of the stick (« the lesser evil » as you called it), but that mean they won't move on regardless of how bad it is, they might not even believe (or choose to ignore) something better could exist. In a way it's a bit worse than just being dependent or brand tribalism. I believe it's still interesting to point out because not many companies are like this.
No, ain't no way, how can this be NOT the onion ! Come on ! 😂