IMO it isn't worth it. Paying for playing games online (thats the only reason anyone pays for gold, or am i wrong?) that don't even run on dedicated servers but mostly only through p2p just isn't worth it to me.
Plus, the only games i really enjoy online are shooters and those control better on a PC anyway. So i don't see any reason to pay for xbox live.
I enjoy my 360 and Wii when I'm in the mood for non-competitive- or party-play. Lying on my comfy couch in front of my ~80 inch projected image with a controller in my hands, and in the best case scenario with a buddy or my GF, to me is not an environment for competitive play.
Local co-op is what really lets consoles shine in my opinion. That has always been the reason why i kept consoles besides a gaming PC. Coupled with the fact that I would have to pay for a low-standard (IMO) online service I didn't even think about paying for live after my 30 free days ran out.
There are some really great arcade games though. And although they usually are IMO too expensive, especially compared to similar games as good steam offers, they are what is really good about xbox live... but i don't need live gold for them
