Why is Facebook always the first auth system implemented in start up apps, OpenID is so much more simple to get running and will open you up to many different providers with very little coding. Is it just for the data mining?
It has similar Allow/Deny UX as Facebook and opens you up to major email providers like Google and Yahoo as well as the plethora of other providers and ones such StackExchange if you're creating a technical site/app. Having only Facebook as an auth alienates 1/3rd of the US population.
It's mainly because of the data and open graphs yes. :) Facebook really provides a viral way of exposing my app to other potential users. The app is initially designed to evolve around Facebook but during the process, I decided to step away from that.