Okay, lets think about this logically...
HH is not available on steam right? Nor is it available on Direct 2 Drive.
Surely that means that its a problem on Bethesda's end and not steams.
I can't say I've ever really heard of Direct 2 Drive before this/these threads so i'm sorry if what i'm saying is a complete load of rubbish.
Logically: Steam handles authentication/unlocking/decrypting of essential game files - no matter if you get the core files from D2D or somewhere else.
Steam is what's causing the delay, like it or not.
(Damn, posts are coming too fast - didn't see you beat me to it there RGDelta.)