> It's no different to phones, consoles, etc.

You can use a Nintendo Switch or an Android phone without an online account.

You can't install apps through "normal user" means on the Android phones I've had unless you add an account.

De facto, that means you need an account.

Yes, I know you can try to find copies of your banking apps on apkmirror and sideload, but... no. (Also, wouldn't that mean that you have to manually confirm every single app update, so a 10-minute button pushing session every week?)

Not really. Nintendo eShop and Google Play Service will dark pattern you towards having an account in cases where they don't outright require it like DLC expansions to the "physical" cartridge you "bought".

You can use via Link with a PC or side load apps, so Oculus apps aren't needed. Since when is it ok that I need an third party account to access my computer?

False, I purchased a VR headset to use with Steam VR (mostly), but I fully expected it to work in a standard way, with understanding to the variations in the handheld controllers.

> Because you bought a system that only has apps from your monitor's app store available, and that means you have to prove who you are to use them.

Blatantly false. You can either play Oculus games (must, if you are playing without PC; basically the app store) or you can connect to PC and play any SteamVR games just like you would with any other headset (supported officially).

So with Quest 2, I get to play both the Oculus-only standalone games made for the headset specifically, as well as any SteamVR games that my friends with other VR headsets might want to play together.