I think pay2play is downright dumb in general. Still, I feel XBL is more logical compared to MMOs, primarily because you are paying for a service compared to a singular game. Overall, I still feel it should all be free, they make enough to keep this going off of pure retail, plus lowering over-time payment would probably increase retail profit.
Personally, I did feel the atmosphere of Halo changed a lot in 4, including MC's personality, but I felt it changed due to the circumstances he was placed in, effectively changing him as a person, an effect any person is susceptible to. I like to call that good writing.
Lorik9's comments