i still don't see the huge issue with it other than PS fanboys are going to keep throwing it up as an argument as to why what they prefer is so much better. i agree i don't think it's a very smart move for MS to have the always online connection but like has been said many times, what's the big deal because most people that have had any input in here leave theirs connected all the time anyhow.
as to the people without a reliable internet connection, this i would think would be in the single digit percent of the gaming population. i have no real information but i would imagine 93%+ of the gaming population have reliable internet or internet of some kind and changing your whole plan and marketing scheme to cater to 5% is just not smart business.
it almost seems like there is more outrage about it from the PS guys than the xbox guys so that in itself should be a pretty good indicator as to who really cares if it has to be always online.