I have to agree that Microsoft had one hell of an online package.
Yes you had to pay for it, but I still believe you got a great deal, at least for the gold package. Fast downloads, good matching, and party systems, a great list of downloadable games, demos, movies of upcoming games and it just seemed to work.
I am worried about having to have an always online system. I think forcing some sort of registration of a game be it seamlessly through online connection on bootup or through another means is more acceptable practice. And I am curious to see how Microsoft improves its controller...specially the D-Pad.
I really wish I could support Nintendo this generation, because I love Nintendo games more than any other games, but Nintendo is just not doing it for me lately. If I get a new system it isn't going to be Nintendo, it is probably going to be Microsoft.