I'm with the OP on the point that MS has set their expectations low. They don't need over-impress, they just need to backtrack on a few of their policies, or explain them/give discounts for them and a promise of a better experience all together with their online cloud service. If they can convince the EA fans/CoD fans/NFL fans/Fantasy league fans MS is the next best place to get their fix, I'm very positive that it will outsell the PS4. When the dust settles, it will depend heavily on where your friends game online & get their sports updates.
Fantasy Leagues are big, and I think it can move a lot of individuals to jump into MS ship. I foresee that NFL contract paying off for MS in the future, and if MS plays it right, they might just keep the edge on CoD fans. I don't know how well Fifa exclusive deals will be affected in Europe, but I wouldn't put it past MS on knowing a way to get around a few EU policies.
I'm not going to ever cry for Microsoft, ever since the begining, they stole ideas for their OS, bought out competition or pushed them out of the market. They have resorted to many underhanded tactics to become a very profitable corporation. I'm not going to hate on them, I think consumers are responsible for how big companies get. If people wish to embrance the new policies, I think they deserve whatever it is they get. Whether that is fun & joy or violation of privacy & game licence rentals.
Just look at the car market. Pay attention to the comercials and you'll see how leasing is the new normal. The dealerships didn't make it that way, it was consumers who accepted it and now prefer to pay less monthly to ultimatly pay twice for it if they wish to own it.
