(Image removed from quote.)
What's wrong with this?
a recurring, possibly quite expensive monthly payment for something is different than a one time cost for a console. Maybe the Xbone and some games could be the big gift that was saved up for at christmas time? Not anymore because the Xbone is not just the cost of console+games, it's console+games+monthly internet payments. (and who is ben kuchera or anyone else to tell someone how to spend their money anyway?)
I have a TV and internet, but don't want cable TV because it's an expensive, recurring payment that would cut into my budget unnecessarily. Nobody told me to fuck off from buying a TV because traditionally, they are useful even without cable.
And in the context of his "hey all these decisions are great for Microsoft, look at it that way, brahs" article, it comes off as him holding on to some dumb shred for his shitty rationalizations for Microsoft's apparent attack on consumers.
All these little dumb decisions are about cutting off and alienating people (and pleasing U.S. cable+ISPs, which is the pink elephant, imo. because pleasing them is akin to holding back progress for their personal gain at this point.) Internet requirements, HDMI-only, U.S. TV focus...suppose they capture the upper middle and higher classes in the U.S...this leaves the rest of the world for Sony and Nintendo. That's not really a good thing for Xboners who want games on their console. Video games are not traditionally a high-class exclusive medium of entertainment.