Good news about the fake download buttons.
But that's a good point, not making changes to Itch that contradict what Itch wants to be. I did consider if Steam has anywhere near the same problem and why they don't. I'd assume it is partly due to an additional wall of exclusivity, whether that be a registration fee or more scrutiny placed upon content etc. ( And being riiiich of course.) Implementations like that would shut the door on many amtuer developers, changing the nature of the platform as you say. Even if it could be afforded.
Hmmmmmmm 🤔