I can't see it is a technical issue as many of you suggest. No matter what Steam allow Larian could just release the full game ahead of time with a small lock and make it unlock at a certain time or requiring a tiny update to unlock. Has nothing to do with Steam. That being said, I am sure Larian has their reasons for not doing so, and to me it is not so important. I have been waiting for years, a few hours more (or a day even) doesn't make a big difference to me.
You shouldn't make what is really a matter of opinions into a technical issue, it is a bad habit and it derails the conversation.
