Well thats handicapped.
BUY THIS GAME TO GET CONTENT IN ANOTHER GAME. Way to go vALVE.
So, you have no problem with pre-order bonuses for the game, but not for other games? I find it to be a great promotional tool. What's so bad about it? It's not giving them something like one of Valve's weapons. The only reason you don't like the idea is because you didn't pre-order it, so you don't get one.