While I agree in practice (and the resultant harm is real), in theory mathematical limits exist. (And this is without appealing to the idea that humans might eventually not be limited to a single planet.)

Can’t valve just not allow any steam account to register on a steam machine other than the one that preordered it (for a period of time)? I’m guessing that would nip all this in the bud post haste ?

Sadly, this is consistent with my experience with hospitals. The schedules are constantly in flux and no one bothers to tell the patients/advocates. It really sucks and seems unnecessary. Sorry that happened to you.