Probably won't get one for awhile.  But if I was going for launch day, I'd probably go with something like this:

Xbox One system
Watch Dogs
Dead Rising 3

There's a few other games I'm interested in, but those are probably my main two launch titles.   

I haven't played in awhile, but it still seems pretty active from what I've read.  And Rockstar is still continually doing their bonus xp, play with devs type things for both RDR and GTA IV.

I haven't bought one in years, mostly because I've been a bit strapped financially.  But when I have the money, I will almost always buy some sort of special edition if available since I enjoy collecting games.  As far as value goes, it really depends on the game and whether or not it has a lasting appeal.  Something like Madden wouldn't do so well with any sort of special edition because it's a yearly franchise.  Whereas, say, the editions of GTA coming out this year may hold some value a few years from now.

Even if for some reason GTA V was an exclusive, it would still outsell TLoU by leaps and bounds.  TLoU, while doing very well, is still a "core gamer" game.  GTA appeals not only to them, but the more casual players as well.  It's a legendary series and more often than not lives up to it's standards.

I don't think the Western way of life is being threatened.  That's not to say people in the Western world don't feel threatened.

Hopefully whoever did this will be caught.  It's a shame such intolerance exists in the world on any side.

It won't fail.  Despite a rather large backlash from core gamers, there's still millions of casual players who don't care about any of the bad aspects of the system.  

Like mentioned, if you are torn on which to get, give it a few months.  Let the systems establish themselves, see how they're doing, what games interest you, etc.  

Finally, if by some chance the system does fail, Microsoft has more than enough money from a successful run of the original Xbox and the 360 to carry themselves easily into the next, next generation. And that's just their gaming division funds.  Also as mentioned, if anything it may humble Microsoft a bit if they do fail.  I love my 360, but they are rather cocky and arrogant this go 'round.

If you're hardcore into CoD or BF4 and DLC, maybe the Xbox One.  But even if you get a PS4 and have to wait an extra month, so does everyone else on the PS4.  So it isn't like you're really "behind."  Beyond that, I agree with the waiting side of things.  Give it a few months and see how the systems are standing, see what games they have, and see what appeals to you.

Crowdfunding sites are great, but they're pretty much like a lot of other things that may involve a lot of your money.  You should probably be reading the fine print, paying attention, ask questions if necessary, etc.  Developers can't be blamed for dumb backers.  Maybe sites such as Kickstarter should put up big, flashing neon lights on their home page and give harsh warnings about what to possibly expect... and people would still do it all wrong.

I've personally never contributed... but that's because I'm too broke to do so.  If I had the money, I would absolutely back a few.

Since I've been on a budget for a few years, I haven't picked up or played as many games as I normally would, so I find this pretty great.  I've paid for Live for a number of years, so possibly getting free games for something I would be doing anyway?  I won't complain.

GTA V, since it's probably my favorite game series.  But Watch Dogs has me really interested and will most likely be a day one buy.