i think some might be confused with the question, is the thread starter asking about XB Live Gold (online multiplayer) or the basic Live features (friendlist, messaging, xbox.com integration, marketplace, etc)?

in my opinion, it is not important to subscribe to Live Gold, that's just to play online multiplayer and it might not be everyone's cup of tea. as for me, i like online multiplayer. it was fun in the beginning, but now i rarely play online coz my broadband so screwed at home that i cant even sign in sometimes. got so fed up with my line, i just dont bother anymore nowadays. well this is me ranting about my broadband, not xblive itself.

if u have a 360 and broadband, and never tried xblive before, i tell u this: get online now, try silver now!! it's free for god's sake. console too far? u can afford a 360 but couldn't be bothered to get a longer cable to hook it up? its meant to be online, connected. XB Live doesn't necessarily mean 'online play' only, its a whole new experience. try it now, u got nothing to lose.