Couple of thoughts on Europe / Others preferring PS3 as has been fairly raised as a question during the thread:
1) PC gaming is still large in Europe and for many PC owners I know a 360 seems like a redundant purchase (i.e. its like their PC but with less power and paid for online service vs free service and lots of mods). This point of view actually started with original Xbox
2) A lot of console sales are for families / kids - i.e. not hardcore gamers. This has benefited the Wii but I know a lot of families are getting the PS3 because its the latest PS2 (if you see what I mean) - they are expecting to get a lot of kids and lower rated games eventually as well as motion control games
3) PS3 has benefit of PS2 association for playing sports / driving games in Europe
4) Playstation has better brand image (differs by country by taking Europe as a whole it still comes out strong) than MS or 360.
5) PS3 and Wii are seen as a valid combination - I know quite a few familes with both. Wii for kids and because everybodies getting one and PS3 for dad / teenagers as well as BR / DVD upsale to show off new HD TV
6) Paying for Live isn't an option for many teenagers (as in their parents won't pay for it so for some teenagers a PS3 with free access for stuff like COD4 is the better way to get online)
Now, none of this is to say 360 isn't selling okay or doesn't offer the same features, nor that these are all definative - like everyone posting I only represent a certain demographic. But for me and those I know making choices these are the things I keep hearing / observing that drive slightly more people to go PS3 than 360.
I will say that point 1 and 2 seem the biggest drivers of PS3 purchasing and biggest 'objections' to buying a 360 that I hear all the time vs the others.
Try to be reasonable... its easier than you think...
