i know it would most probably mean less revenue from costumers who really dont care for the apps, but it could help it be more competitive against Sony and Nintendo and potentially have more customers and a bigger install base. would it be better for the long run? or should MS keep it and keep cashing in

It would, but they won't do it. I mean, when was the last time a company said, screw this money, I don't need it. And people (at least in the US) seems to be willing to pay.

Smart? watch them fall if they don't go free multiplayer.

I voted no but it depends on what sony do. I'm sure I read somewhere that the PS4 will only allow 1 hour a day of online multiplayer with a free account and you need to upgrade to a paid account(sounds unlikely to me though).

If Sony keep it free then MS should at least allow some form of free online(friend list only or max 4 players) but if sony charges then MS should crack on.

no way will they fall, there marketing is just to strong for that to ever happen. 

yes, there's other ways to make gold look appealing

No. After all, the goal of a company is not to sell the most product but to make money.

However, they really, really need to revamp the system, and I think they will. They cannot continue to pay-gate paid video subscription services and expect to be the best media box. That will be gone. At the very least, people will access services like Netflix through a browser.

I also expect them to add more value to their paid services. PS+ has to be something of an embarrassment for them. I don't know what form the improvements will take, but I expect something.

No.

Still charge for Live and make the console cheaper then the PS4.
Overtime people will pay more, but up front having the console $100+ cheaper is a win-win for MS.

As a customer, I would love such a decision. But if I was a Microsoft executive, I might actually consider RAISING the monthly/yearly rate.

Their agressive advertisement campaigns seem to work on the US but not so much in the rest of the world.

No doubt they will be on a vulnerable position. I bought a 360 for the JRPG's back in the day and hope that microsoft would wise up and make online play free.

As you can imagine, im not a pleased costumer and i wont be buying an Xbox next gen. It might be beyond repair, because my faith on microsoft is lost, but starting with several new IP's and free online play would make me wonder.