My opinion is that Steam's DRM is as ethical as it can be, and the only thing wrong about it is accepting other additional schemes like GfWL on top of it.
I will oppose other forms of DRM, like everything Sony has done, but I think companies like Valve have to be rewarded for doing something good for game studios and players alike.
I see your stance the same as I see the RMS stance on software licenses. Too extreme to be practical for all purposes.
If you want to grade what's worse, DRM or closed source software, I'd say that the first one is worse. While closed source software restricts user's freedom for modification and redistribution, DRM goes way beyond that and violates much more.
I'd say it's practical, reasonable and not extreme to be opposed to any forms of DRM. There is simply no excuse for it to exist.
Unlike Valve, other distributors (GOG/CDPR) proved that DRM free gaming distribution is practical. So I don't see Valve as a best example in the gaming industry. Music is DRM free. Digital books publishing offers more and more DRM free options. It's the video industry which lingers behind the most.
Piracy exists not only because people don't like to pay. It also exists because of... generosity, and human nature in general. Pirates get warm fuzzy feeling when they share something.
I will oppose other forms of DRM, like everything Sony has done, but I think companies like Valve have to be rewarded for doing something good for game studios and players alike.
I see your stance the same as I see the RMS stance on software licenses. Too extreme to be practical for all purposes.