Requiring Kinect isn't even remotely close to requiring the GamePad. As has been pointed out many times before, it's a traditional controller. Additionally, it actually costs roughly what all 3 consoles manufacturers are charging for regular controllers sans screen. Nintendo is only grossly marking it up sold separately and for replacements. I recall reading NOA is charging $140 for a replacement. F that noise. If you're really worried about getting a raw deal on peripherals, you absolutely are on any console. Still, that's true of anything.
More importantly, requiring Kinect means there's a high definition camera pointed directly at your living space. If Microsoft is forcing that on consumers, back away not today, Disco Lady.