Why I think removing the Kinect is a bad idea for Microsoft.

[Burek]

I agree with OP. XBox has just lost its uniqueness.
Now they've only succeeded in branding it a troubled underperforming copy of PS4, giving potential buyers even less incentive to purchase it.
All they needed is some sort of quality "Kinectfall" to show off their peripheral and reel in consumers. All they had was The Crapper Within, which sent consumers signals that Kinect 2.0 will just end up a shovelware delivery tool like its predecessor.
By doing this, they've also exposed themselves to possible Sony counteratracks, in which all they need to do is keep the price and throw in a free digital download to stay ahead of the race.
Hopefully, I am incorrect, and their fortunes will turn, but right now I see XBox ahead only in isolated situations of exclusive games releases, with PS4 grabbing everything inbetween.