Has somebody tried to contact the dev in this regard? The 'net says Pavel Zagrebelnyj and his publisher have been at odds quite a bit... hope this is fixed.

I'm not sure. I know that there was some drama with the dev and publisher regarding the first game and how a new publisher was brought in for the second. The best I can say for now is that if you don't want to buy it on Steam, make sure to vote for the wishlist entries here:

https://www.gog.com/wishlist/games/spintires


https://www.gog.com/wishlist/games/spintires

and possibly send GOG an email letting them know of the interest in the games. The two games are very good and seem to have a diverse community of players from different parts of the world and an active modding community. If you think you'd like this game as much as you say, I gotta tell you this would be THE two games to purchase on Steam even if you never bought anything else there. I dislike Steam and I still bought both. There is nothing like these two games anywhere else. The closest thing here would be "Screamer 4x4" and it pales in comparison, in my opinion.

The Settlers 2 (Gold or 10th Anniversary)
RollerCoaster Tycoon 1 & 2
Transport Fever

I just listen to some oldies music.

Like AC/DC....

Or some classic GWAR. They're newer stuff since most of the original members are now gumming their virgins isn;t the same.

Normally I would suggest a city builder like one of the Tropicos in very simple mode where you just build. Unfortunately it seems like you get to a point where you have 250 open jobs and not enough workers. Gets frustrating for me. May even want to consider one of the farming sims like Farmville for mobile if you just want to do stuff....

I would also suggest some light reading like Garfield. Of course now that Jon and Liz have hooked up, one has to wonder what they're doing off panel.... ;)

The lack of RTS-style combat helps, but unless you're comfortable with the road/transport system, dealing with mid-/late-game gridlocks can really test one's patience. I'll give the first game the edge since it lacks the stationary catapults that make its sequel a little maddening.

Oh, and what could be more soothing than Vikings #5???

Speaking of music... something like Audiosurf can be really relaxing... Sadly also Steam...

You joke but I will listen to Slayer when I'm stressed out.

Of course, it's "Seasons in the Abyss" which is a relatively slow album for them.