I hardly hear anyone talk. I haven't added anyone for months. Gears 1 was so fun. People would talk smack right before, during and after the match. All that magic is gone.

Eh, I think it is just plain more fun with Friends you already know regardless. I mean I met a lot of pricks online and I rather not meet someone one day and find out they are pricks the next.

I only add people with a personality somewhat similar to mine.

Hmm true, but still you never really know a guy. Also I think you should look into Clans... since that is always the best way to grow a friend circle.

I do have a base of friends, but I'm just saying I haven't added anyone new in a long time.

This also might be a result of people getting annoyed by smacktalk, or the new userbase that has come in thanks to the holidays.

I typically play COD4... so I always see someone talking, usually clans.

The Party System has caused me to add more friends actually. I'll get on and someone on my friend's list might be in a party. I get invited and then get to play something with others in this party I just met. Then we add eachother as friends and the cycle continues. The people I play online with the most were added no more than two-three months ago.