I actually agree with the OP and I also agreed with Microsoft's policy... to an extent.
Microsoft wanted to charge you for playing a used game after you've already bought it pre-owned. Fine fair enough, but the problem is that we DON'T know that Microsoft were going to give some of that profit to the publisher. According to EA Microsoft were not planning to distribute part of that second hand resale to the publisher.
I actually agree that some sort of middle ground has to be reached between the publisher and the consumer. At this point I can see Microsoft and Sony trying to encourage digital sales on their online stores; that automatically enforces DRM.
In terms of hard copy sales, you have to remember that second hand sales are part of an industry that supports thousands of jobs, and a lot of people can't afford games at retail. Thats something that can't be ignored. But I do think more needs to be done to support developers and publishers, however maybe DRM is not the answer...
I think the answer is rather than forcing DRM on the consumer, Sony and Microsoft should incentive new purchases. Things like pre-order DLC, online passes, or digital purchases are the way to go imo. But I do agree more should be done to support publishers and developers; however Microsft's DRM policy benefited themselves, so theres no love lost by abandoning that policy in my view.
