At least with Dragon Commander, you could install it off the disk, but there was a required update. After that you could start it with or without the Steam client running, and only needed the client for the Steamworks multiplayer lobby or to get updates.
I can understand why they'd end up having to do the CE physical without a game disc, that allows the team to work on the game to the last minute and not have to worry about a cutoff deadline for when the discs have to go into production. KS backers won't be affected and SEA buyers won't care but you may have a few upset customers that waited and bought physical but don't use Steam.
I wonder if Larian could set up a code trade program of sorts to where if someone does not want the Steam codes, Larian can check with Steam and if unused to deactivate the Steam code and replace it with a GOG or Vault code. But Steam is the most poppular option and physical boxes very limited so hopefully there won't be any issues.
