You're right. There was a thread on the Steam forums where a user had difficulty getting the game to launch and Steam said it was a third-party issue, Paradox. So in order to get support for that problem I'll have to register the game itself. Thank you, though. I knew there was no way the CD key would interfere with start-up but I am still going to need to wait before I can have someone help address this launch issue I'm having.
I'm more than willing to wait for a fix. I've purchased the game and it isn't going anywhere. However, 75% off or not, I'm still less than thrilled a game I purchased isn't working properly. Whether or not that is my own fault, I do not know, and can not know, until Steam and Paradox correct this CD Key problem. I trust both parties can resolve this relatively quickly, and I hope the recent influx of individuals who purchased this game through Steam voicing their concerns adds a sense of urgency and speaks for those who have not taken the initiative to do as we have but are afflicted with similar problems. I know Paradox Interactive and Valve both have a history of treating their customers properly and have full faith in both parties.