First, before addressing your remarks I should first apologize if I came across as bitter or angry (hard to express correct emotions in sentences). Quite the contrary. HL2 and HL2 Episode 1 were both fantastic games and enjoyed both. But, I will not retract based on "facts". Here's why..
you didn’t have to buy the orange box, hence no shoving
With that same thought buying ANY box or game would be relevant to your statement, I don't have to buy ANYTHING for that matter. Come on, what a copout and I'm not letting Valve off the hook that easy. But for the sake of clarity, those of us who have most of what’s in the box may not want the items we already own, so we either spend the full $50 for product we already spent $50 on OR as you suggest, don't buy it.
you can buy each game separately on STEAM, hence no shoving
Ah yes, wonderful STEAM. Coaster of the year on it's first go round although I must admit MUCH improved since from what I’ve read. Anyway, and my point, some of us prefer the CD/DVD, the box and manual than purchasing online. Just a thing with me and believe it or not, others as well. I own Bioshock and bought the box for the same price as the download. Simple economics tells the better bargain here. And without the need to download software to get more software. So, YES, is you want it out of the box then the Orange Box is the only way....hence the "all or nothing" or "Shoving" as I put it. If you want to look at it further, in order to get each separately you would HAVE to get STEAM to get what you want. So, now STEAM is shoved at you as well. Free or not, I prefer the box.
Be glad they made a package, buying the orange box is cheaper than buying all 3 games seperately (well if u pre ordered)
Simply to answer this....Or be VERY GLAD if you could purchase the new games separately AND cheaper then wasting money again on what you already own. And, this is not something new to Valve with this series. Reminder....Episode 1 came in a BOX - $19.99.
I'm not saying the Orange Box isn't a good deal. It sure would be if you didn't already own most of the games. I guess it's all on how you see it and what you’re willing to do. Bottom line, I try avoiding downloading for Reselling, Trading and Re-Install purposes and I prefer the on the shelf game.