>Steem as (the only) auth option requires the user to undertake more steps as in most cases we need to verify the account being created is legit, to avoid spending RC for scammy or duplicate accounts.

I understand that Steem account may remain anonymous or it is not simple to see whether a person owns more accounts at the same time. I suppose that you will gain access to some personal information of the user through the OAuth provider. As it may give you a better idea who is the owner of the account, it does not solve a potential issue of duplicate accounts.

>I believe as a user I'd prefer straight forward ways to try out the platform before deciding if I wish to use it or not.

Is the interface going to be viewable by logged in users only?