To be fair, a service like steam could have the same problems, and if you aren't logged in you won't have access to your games.
If Steam crashes, SteamWork doesn't work (Cloudsync, Matchmaking, etc.), but thats like any other master server crash. Also, SteamWork syncing is true syncing, so you have all your game data on your device and accessible. Its not like Game for Windows Live where you have to be logged in to even access the save games on your computer.
Say anything about Steam, but they are pretty far ahead in the 'user-friendliness' department.
Otherwise, I've got nothing but good things to say about Steam (despite the fact that I still hold a special place in my heart where I HATE Steam for replacing WON)
Source: http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8...
a) steam startup is the biggest contributor to starting up any game I got on steam.
b) attempting to sell a steam account results in a ban. Well actually why the hell can't one sell their steam account in the first place.
Benefits:
No CDs. Yay.
Instant buying.
Sales.
Cloud Sync so I can uninstall games to conserve space until I want to play them again.
Does not inject rootkits for DRM. (EA games still do, but thats ok I pirate those)
I still play an hl mod that has been around for years and 90% of the times a user is dropped is because of steam.
The problem with impulse is that steam has the nice steam APIs for matchmaking and such that require steam. Can't use it if you sell on another store. Its the vendor-lock-in. I bought a game only later to realize I can't play with anyone I know (steam vs impulse online) and thus... well... can't win vs that.