Tbh I'm somewhat happy that MP is behind a paywall, cause more people will get the benefits of PS+, meaning the community can be entirely brought together by the free games.

Selfish I know...but still.....

I can respect that you can't afford it, but I actually think something like PS+ is ideal for the budget gamer.  For the price of (less than) a game a year, you get lots of free games (like 1 PSN game a month and they give good games out), 1hr demos, special betas, etc etc.  You get a bunch of gameplay/demos before you plunk down the cash so if you're short on money it actually seems like a good way to get in playtime without having to shell out a lot.  I'm no shill or anything, I don't even have the service anymore because I don't play games as much what with school and all, but I think that when the newer tech comes, if you are into the games that are on the PS3, you're likely going to be disappointed with the Wii U.  Sure, Nintendo first party games are fantastic, but the third party support just isn't there so if you are going to boycott a system because of $5o just make sure it has the games you want and don't do it for the principal of it or to make a statement.  Otherwise, you'll be the one missing out...

Well bam. I don't really play pc games but that's insane! That pretty much proves my point. Those complaining probably don't know this about pc.

Ummm.. you do realize M$ wasn't the first home console manufacturer to charge people to play online, don't you?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satellaview

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SegaNet

Did Nintendo and SEGA disrupt the foundation of gaming with their "greedy profiteering schemes" too?

Oh wait, I take that back... Nintendo's service has long been defunct and SEGA went under entirely.  I guess since M$ is the only console manufacturer to have a successful subscription-based online network, that makes them greedy and evil.

It's also funny how PC gamers have been paying as much as $15 a month to play ONE SINGLE GAME online for years and nobody says boo about it, but meanwhile M$ charges a measly $5 a month for unlimited online gaming and entertainment apps, and everyone acts like they're as bad as the oil companies when it comes to raping consumers.

Apparently paid online IS the future, because now 2 of the big 3 console makers utilize it, and the one that doesn't just so happens to have the worst online service of them all.

Sometimes I think you live to amuze me.

Well I'm not paying for my internet so I don't mind paying for gold or plus.

If you consider them "haters" for saying that, then you need to grow some thicker skin.

Sorry but after Xbox, and Xbox 360 paying for online has never been an issue for me. Hope you enjoyed your free multi-player on PS3.