I will say that with MS trumpeting DLC for GTA IV they are making it look like the right choice is a 360 with a HDD drive, and therefore invalidating the notion of a 'core' unit without one.
If you're claiming the 'definative' version of a game, and that version requires a HDD, then you're pretty much admitting the 'definative' version of your console should include a HDD.
If most owners have an HDD then in truth you could almost take the view the 360 does have an HDD and assume the average cost is the console plus the drive. It also makes you wonder why they continue to insist developers try not to require one.
Mind you, the second a developer does use a HDD on a console it sparks of another 'I don't want installs on a console' debate as has happened with PS3 recently.
Try to be reasonable... its easier than you think...
