I'm confused; can't you just NOT play on Steam?

I've been seeing some complaints about this coming out on Steam, and I've got to ask: why? I don't really understand why this could be an issue in the first place, especially since (as far as I'm aware) there are no plans to drop or regress whatever's been done on the native SK client. If anything, that just means as of now, there are two distinct game populations.
So then why is it such a big deal that you can't port your account over? I understand it would be convenient if they're connected, but I don't see how you could possibly be hurt by it not happening anytime soon.
Is there something I'm not seeing?

Ah, so there was something I didn't know about. Link to it?
Also, what are the stats? Is it actually good, or just to solely plague collectors?
I dunno, I just think that it would just be something logical to do.
I would like to get the gas mask on my main account :S
Mostly because it looks bad-***

Well, in all honesty, I'm just surprised there was an actual uproar with it. You know, with a Magnus sighting and all.
And apparently, this discussion is no longer relevant anyway, as apparently Eurydice announced that they can be linked next week. So lol, that's quite the /topic
@ Volebamus
Can you link where he said that? I've read and had replies from a GM that this was something they would like to do, but no promises.

Sure, it's also in announcements section:
http://forums.spiralknights.com/en/node/11315
She posted in the Announcements area but moments ago.
It's because of the promotional helm, the new gas mask dealy. Collectors want that hat, and they need to make a new Steam SK account to get it.