Using/Installing Metro Applications with a Local Windows Account - Possible?

Is this possible? I just installed the Windows 8.1 Preview, and it seems that every time I try to install a Metro application, even a free one, it asks me to convert my local account to a Microsoft-connected account. I can kind of see needing an account for paid ones, in a Steam-like system, but I'd still want to keep it separate from my Windows account. This is rather disappointing, as it looks like Minesweeper isn't installed by default, and thus I can't play it with a local account .

I'm also wondering if it's possible to use applications like the Calendar with a local account. Seems like it wouldn't be that difficult to have that option, since Outlook's calendar works just fine on a local PC. But when I try to access it with a local account, it says I need a Microsoft account to use it.

Though I am pleased that it's just as good of a platform as previous releases for watching Steve Ballmer's hilarious antics on-stage.

I'll still probably try it out regardless with the account I created with a made-up name, but I can't say the first impression is positive with all the opt-outs and limitations needed to get a non-connected experience.