YASR: WTF is with the hassles registering CS?

[DurocShark]

I don't get it.

I found CS at a thrift store. My son's been bugging to get it for him, it was a couple bucks, so cool. I'm sick of warezing games, so really wanted to just buy it.

Well, we installed it. Downloaded 1.6/ Steam. Entered the CD Key: "This key is in use. " So I click the troubleshooting link, dead link. :| So I go to steampowered.com and go into support. Here's the answer in their FAQ:

FOR NEW GAME PURCHASES
If the CD key from a game you just purchased fails to register on Steam and it's been 90 days or less from when you made the purchase, you must contact the publishers, Sierra, about this problem.

Please contact them at this email address: halflifekeys@vugames.com
NOTE: Before contacting Sierra -

1. If you have more that one Steam Account, please make sure you have not registered your CDKey there.

2. Please verify that you are entering in the CDKey exactly as it is printed on your package.

You must include the following within the message in .jpg format:

1. A picture of the actual game CD.
2. A picture of the HL/CS packaging which clearly displays the CDKey number.
3. A picture of the sales receipt.

NOTE: Please allow up to 2 weeks to receive a reply from Sierra / VU Games

NOTE: Valve is unable to verify the status of email you have sent to Sierra/VUGames! Please do not send Valve email asking about your submission to them.

If you do not have a scanner or a digital camera, many copy and camera stores offer these services for your convenience.

OMFG! I've lost keys before and just faxed in photocopies of the CD itself and the company (NOT SIERRA!) just emailed me a new key. No problem. But this is just rediculous!

Try to do the right thing and look what happens. :|