It doesn't have easier functionality at all. XMB was a lot better than the blades, although I will admit that NXE is better than XMB. That doesn't mean XMB is bad though.
I don't miss ingame music. The devs put work into the soundtrack, and it's usually very good.
As for the online, Xbox Live is seven years old and 50 bucks a year. PSN is two years old and free. Of course XBL is better.