yeah... the steelmaking process is just not worth it, the durability & speed upgrade you get over iron is just too little considering how much fuel and preparation goes into making a refractory... and then you need to replace any damaged blocks
only use I see with steel is armor; with how frequently you'll be using pickaxes/shovels/etc. you'll burn through way too much steel
meanwhile with iron tools you just make the blooms, forge em into shape, and you're good to go