Just received an email from Steam, which reads, "We have refunded your purchase of the items listed below. The credit should appear in your account within several business days. "
I applied to Paradox for the refund, and there it is. Steam credit is fine for me. Thank you, Paradox, for doing the decent thing.
Do I feel asking for a refund was the right thing to do given the state of the game upon release? YES.
Do I feel bad about having asked for the refund from my favourite games company, whom I have followed and supported ever since Europa Universalis first came out? YES.
Will I buy from Paradox in the future? YES, especially since they have shown a level of customer care and honour that is so very rare today.