I signed up for a free weekend back in November. The trial was offered through Steam (the ESO website directed new users to download it through Steam). I liked the game and tried to buy it on the ESO website, but it said I wasn't eligible. Didn't want my money? Okay, fine.
A short while later, it was on sale again and I discovered that the free trial locked me into a Steam copy of the game. Great. Locked in without buying the game. I bought it, figuring I'd be able to play it directly from the launcher. I guess the November update disabled that feature.
Is it possible to launch a Steam copy of ESO without using the Steam launcher?
If not, next question. The forums have a lot of info about linking to a Steam copy. I'm asking the opposite. I don't want to play ESO through Steam. I'm unable to purchase the game through the ESO website. If I rebuy the game (sigh) through a 3rd party site (Bundle Stars, GMG, etc), can I add the code to my account and play without Steam while keeping my characters and progress? Steam takes a cut of sales. I'd rather buy things like ESO+ and expansions (and the main game, but I can't) directly from the ESO site. Don't you guys want more money? Seriously, I'm trying to give you money. Take my money!