I certainly agree with that. I won't pay for Live as a matter of principle. It's not worth it to me when the others are free. I came close to buying a 360 a few months ago, pretty much just for Halo, and the idea that I would have had to pay extra just for one game, or to use some of the other features, kind of pisses me off. Why do you have to pay for Live if you want to stream movies?
It just annoys me to have a basic feature of many games held hostage. It flat out feels like extortion and I really want no part of it. Whenever I feel my resolve waver regarding the 360, it's usually the thought of Live that turns me away again.
If Microsoft wants me to buy a 720 then they'd better reevaluate Live next gen. It had better emulate PS+ somewhat and give actual value or there is no way it will be my primary console or possibly even a secondary console. Honestly, I think part of the reason the PS3 is eating the 360's lunch now is that the PS3 is much more viable as a secondary device to someone who already owns a 360 than the other way around, mostly due to the 360 being hamstrung for someone who isn't going to pay an additional premium.
