So the Network is utterly broken because it's lacking what we would call "luxuries"...slight exaggeration at best. Considering there is already a friends list, voice chat, and the "players met" list from what you've listed there. Boils down to cross game invites? Which is about as useful as sending your friend a message to join the other game. Centralized servers which I imagine would let people play with anybody from any part of the World? Not exactly sure about that one. The reputation grading system which is not even a big feature in the first place?

"We deserve better for our cash", keep in mind that the PSN service is free. From the looks of it, you're blaming the PSN for not being exactly on par with XBL...wouldn't that be the point of why you're subscribing to XBL? To keep more luxuries and features?

Why are you calling anything a "luxury"? You sound like you're a CEO of Sony trying to justify the lack of features. I was referring to the system's launch, but allow me to elaborate on my points.

A unified friends list means that your friends list is not set up on a per game basis. This also means you have one unique handle across all games. This makes tracking down your friends that much easier. Game specific usernames and friends lists are almost as ridiculous as the Nintendo Wii's "Friend Code" system.

Cross game invites shouldn't be underestimated since they are extremely useful. By accepting and inserting the correct disc, you're automatically put into the game lobby with the menu screens being bypassed. Pressing one button to invite your friends to the game sure beats having to type out a message and wait for them to locate you.

And since headsets are not included with the console it's unlikely that everyone in a game room will have voice chat. It also means that some of your friends might not be able to communicate with you until they spend extra money on getting the right equipment. That's not very "next generation".

I'd gladly pay for PlayStation Network if it had these features.

Luxury as in that the features are not a NECESSITY for online gaming but are nice features to have...that kind of LUXURY. I barely use half of those features in XBL, THAT kind of luxury. That being said, regardless of the system's launch or not:

1) The Friends List has been a feature since it came out. Yes, ONE SINGLE ACCOUNT. The same thing that you see on XBL is the same thing that PSN has in terms of such a list.

2) Ah, cross game invites are a...shortcut. Sorry I don't exactly see the major importance of having it. I can just as easily pop-in the game, go online and get their invite...it's nice and all but it ain't exactly a "must have".

3) That's not to say that every gamer in XBL actually talks. But nevertheless, in my experience, you usually make friends with those with mics so you can take advantage of the voice chat rooms whenever you feel like talking with your friends. It's just like it ain't even a problem.

You MIGHT be spoiled with the features you have with XBL...but obviously you can't possibly pass judgement on something you've only heard about. Makes it even worse when you try to bash it down with bad information...just like you didn't even know that PSN had a Friends List.

Um, all of this information is from personal experience. If you reread my post I am clearly talking about problems that Sony shouldn't have launched with since it is affecting the service's future. There are plenty of games that have their own friends lists seperate from the one you see on the XrossMediaBar. And there shouldn't be a distinction between those with voice chat hardware and those without in the first place. The entry fee for buying a PlayStation 3 should at least cover the cost of a cheap headset.

Stop making these out to be minor features. You know you'd use them if they were available, just like I would. I suppose you think high definition video and rumble controllers are a luxury too? How about controllers in general? Or even video output. Or the fact that there's a console in the box when you buy it.

What the console SHOULD'VE had since launch? You really wanna talk about Launch problems comparing the 360 and the PS3? I'm on my 4TH (with the 5TH on the way) console, I'll take lack of features over the shit I'm going through with the 360. "Affecting the service's future"? I don't understand, the Network is only getting better with MORE features and whatnot?

I'd like to know just how many games actually use third party online support for their online? The only one I know is Metal Gear Online so far. And..."distinction between those who have voice chat hardware"? Those that can talk have mics...end of story, and I'm glad that you mentioned cheap headsets...my wireless Jabra bluetooth headset still outlasted my new 360 headset and it's about more than a year old.

PS3 already comes out with HD capabilities. Now be honest, you're not gonna touch a controller or play a game that doesn't support rumble. When DualShock 3 came out, I bought that bitch as soon as possible but I didn't really miss the rumble mostly because I need the controller to play, not the feature.

Now you start being a little dramatic...how are you gonna compare the lack of a controller/console to lack of rumble features/cross game invite/etc?

Dude... you're missing out on the PlayStation 3 startup sound!

Not really since there are other factors involved. Is today National Fanboy Day or something?

This conversation is going in all the wrong directions. Let us move on already!