I wouldn't have a problem with the option existing. I might be a little miffed if the only option were a steelbook and I "had" to pay a premium for it. As long as I could still get a regular edition at the regular price, though, I'd be cool with it. (...and there could be cases where I'd want a steelbook too, but that's not a huge selling point for me in general.)
Yeah, my fear with a Steelbook-only release (although I would personally love it) is that a LOT of people would probably not be into that at all, so I think it's a non-starter.
But as an extra? I think it would be nice. I would certainly prefer that over a tie, for example. I love Steelbooks, and it allows for super-clean, art-only boxes.
I kinda wish they would go back and make Steelbooks for the SMRPG + Oddworld + Futuridium + Octodad releases, and have that be a standard extra going forward.
Probably too much to ask from the company at this point, though, since it adds more risk and inventory to deal with.
But just imagine a whole series of Steelbooks with minimalist art to complement the regular releases
