I doubt it. I think most apps are either locked behind the paywall or need a sign-in to work

Not sure if there are even apps which you need Gold for nowadays. I believe not but definitely  not for stuff like Netflix. 

No idea if you need to be logged-in to use third party apps and if you need to be logged-in with an account, if XBL has to be up or if it is enough to use your Xbox account offline to use a third party  app online^^

No.

I noticed you only bolded the first condition. What about the second one?

Needs anyone on the console signed into Xbox Live.

Great, can't even play AC Unity because I can't sign in to my account. What a joke.

Think of all the kids so excited to get their new next gen console and they can't even play the fucking thing.

My Live is down again. The system is crippled without it.

These groups such as Lizard Squad who are doing these monthly DDoS attacks aren't helping the reputation of modern video gaming one bit. It's making my hobby look like an absolute joke.

i just lost connection to xbox live and still can't play psn. i guess these people are just sexually frustated and can't get laid hence why they do this .