Shame on you for using STEAM !

[Revvin]

Depending on how much of the Steamworks SDK they use for online play it may just take a large step forward. No need for external apps, an integrated friends list so you could see if your squad mates are online and potentially what server they are on and be one click away from being able to automatically join them. You can set up groups online in Steam too so you could have a group for this whole forum to see when people are online or set up a group for your squad. As I said it depends how much of Steamworks they use but things like the overlay which allows you to send out messages to mates while still in the game can also be a benefit. Also if it activates via Steam then it may work like other games where you buy the cd copy, activate your key in Steam but then if you have to reinstall at a later date and your CD is damaged you can download it free from Steam because you registered the key. VAC or Valve Anti Cheat is not perfect but it should keep out a lot of cheats which is surely a good thing.