but since origin has to be a complete bitch, the steam machine isn't worth it
Are you sure? There are plenty of other great games that are on Steam which you can buy, so not getting a system because your favorite franchise is no longer releasing games on that system. For example, someone may say that they aren't getting a PC because 343 is not going to release Halo games on PC. Besides, Origin and Steam are pretty much 'competing,' but Steam wins with variety and the fact that they are not owned and operated by EA.