You can always hope they might someday release a Steam-Free single player version of the game like they did for Velvel Assasin, Arthur and Puzzle Quest 2.

That's what I do, but honestly I don't have a lot of hope...

Wha? Velvet Assassin didn't have multiplayer did it??

Maybe not sorry, I have no Idea actually, I included it into the list because it's one of the only three games that got "de-steamed" and I know the others two had the multiplayer part removed so I assumed it was the same for Velvel Assasin... but maybe never had a multiplayer mode to begin with...

No, it didn't.

I imagine one day if the trend of removing Steam for sales on other sites continues you might be able to get Civ5 for $20 on Gamersgate or something, but it's far from a good bet really. I dislike Steam as well but I don't pass up great games because of it as there are ways to get the game working should Valve ever close or shut down my account.

Don't worry I know, like I mention in my first post I have no illusion on the subject :) .