Why Microsoft thought they would get away with online only console…

It is because of Steam. Steam, which the Hardcore say is the best thing ever, is entirely dependent on a client connecting to the Internet.

If you support Steam, you support an online only console. Why? It is because Steam is an online only console.

Fracking Gabe Newell sold gamers down the river long, long ago. Microsoft, EA, and others are only continuing the path Newell blazed.

You cannot successfully defend Steam and attack online-only-console. In order to be intellectually consistent, you either attack both or defend both.