well let's face it, it's true that Microsoft is extremely money hungry and they are VERY tactful when it comes to making money. The whole Microsoft points system has been a great success for them because it forces users to shell out more money than they need to for certain items. There is no logical excuse M$ can provide for this decision to go with M$ points. Now, in reality, they don't 'force' you to buy anything..that's your choice..although for me..being a hardcore gamer, I always want to buy certain downloads or rock band dlc however I'm always forced to buy more than what I need for a certain thing.

So not only do they make us pay to play online with the Gold service, but the M$ system is very fishy. Let's look at it on another angle...the Xbox Live service is GREAT, very seamless and integrated, and pretty much the primary reason any of us still play Xbox 360 over other consoles. We are getting a great service because we give them a ton of money to keep it up and adding to it.

So what would you rather have? A cheap, watered down online service for free like on the PS3 or (I laugh) the Wii ? Or to shell out extra dough for a great console and online service?

I'd choose the latter..and this is because online gaming is the future..and I want the best available one as we move forward.