I just don't understand what you guys still don't understand. Microsoft doesn't make much money by selling hardware. Most of the revenues comes from Subscription services and software sales. The future is in Cross platform, cross play and subscription model services. You will probably not see a true PS5 and Scarlet exclusive that doesn't get ported to the older hardware at the start of next generation. Since both Sony and Microsoft will probably offer cross platform meaning that if you buy on game on older hardware it will be available on the next gen hardware there is no reason to stop supporting older hardware for as long as you can.

There is also another major factor that most people don't consider when making these stupid thread. The adoption rate of 4k or better TV, to this day 720p and 1080p TV are still being sold in major retailers. When consumers are ask to either upgrade their older consoles or older TV. The TV upgrade should come first. If you are asking them to do both at the same time that becomes a much bigger financial burden. Xbox one X and PS4 Pro has proven that support for older tech is actually not that complicated.

Having said that, I pity anyone having to play Halo Infinite on a OG Xbox One. I have no doubt that it will work but I wouldn't be surprise if the game ran at 720p.

I think they do have a dilemma since the have the X1, mid-generation X1X and also the Scarlett but I think it will likely just be a reduction in framerate, resolution and details the differ between the version so it will probably not take away anything from the Scarlett version.

No, you can't lie on the survey as the software analyses your PC.

It's optional but it has many people participating. If you're discounting studies because not 100% of people take part then I have real bad news about science for you.. 

Last bit, 100% correct.

I have two thoughts:

1) botw did it on Wii U and Switch, to much success for both systems and still enabling Switch to have one of the best hardware launches ever.

2) botw didn't really look much different on switch compared to Wii u because the hardware difference wasn't that much. Scarlett will make Xbox one look like a joke, right? So there will be a vast difference in power between the two Halo versions, unless they unintentionally don't make the engine look better to keep them on par with each other.

Either way I don't care as I'll either play it (and the others) on PC Xbox game pass one day or a new Xbox. I won't ever buy a Xbox one. No point for me.

I think most of us recognize that activity is a little light on this site lately. Now, someone has gone out of their way to make a thread to stimulate some discussion. And, you're giving him a hard time about it.....

I don't see cross platform as a problem, given Scarlet will be a jump visually.

1) BotW actually sold poorly on Wii U, especially when you consider that was a hardcore Nintendo audience. I believe many Wii U users upgraded to Switch and bought it there.

2) 1st party Xbox games are already built to offer higher quality graphics settings and assets for X1X and PC. They said this new engine was supposed to be used for the next decade, so I imagine it was built for new specs in mind.

People seem to feel the base X1 version is gonna hold back the Scarlett version. Yet everybody agrees the base X1 version will have a significantly lower resolution, lower visual quality settings and we aren't sure if the base X1 version will be 30 fps or 60 fps. Hence, there is plenty of room for improvement even if the game isn't built for Scarlett.

What I think they should totally do is delay the PC version for at least 6 months. They could just say that they had to put total focus on the console versions to be able to release it on time.

I think MS is doing a HUGE mistake by releasing their exclusives at the same time in both platforms.

Many developers already support X1/X1X, PS4/PS4P and PC at the same time.

I think MS can support X1/X1X, Scarlett and PC. Its also worth considering this is a project that will have significant updates over time.