Don't know why OP is getting all the hate. I though the article was well thought out and didn't take too many personal jabs at microsoft.
With that said, as a Sony gamer I agree. Xbox live is overall the better experience pound4pound, but price is an obstacle.
Put party chat on PSN and I wonder what the real differences would be..... But Sony doesn't like to please their fans so that's probably not going to happen :(