Console Gaming: Are Premium Services the Latest Utility Bill?

On the heels of a leak from Sony about premium services (which look strikingly similar to another 'Gold' service we're all familiar with) - it would seem that yet another console supplier has joined the 'dark side' of value-added chargeable services.  On the face, Sony's Premium service has a few of it's own tricks but is ultimately 'Live Gold' under a different brand.  Social networking, Netflix integration (without the disc - golly), a music streaming service that lets you create 'stations' (although this one has videos apparently - can't wait to see the vid for Mozart's Requiem) and a pile of other goodies that only Americans will ever get to experience (as usual).

So it all sounds good - and online play is still free on PSN - but what's not being said is how much effort will remain on Sony's part with respect to the upkeep of services on the standard (free) plan.  When I see mention of access to early beta and 'earlier' access to new online titles, I do feel the need for a ponderous chin-scratch; how much of this is provided now and does that mean that Sony is going to shift focus of value-add exclusively to their Premium customers?  Short answer: Yes - and if you think different then you are living in a fantasy world.

Much like our telephone, television, electricity and gas bills - it seems as though console gaming services are the newest 'utility' to appear on our monthly bank statements.  The question is: do they deserve to be there or is it a simple matter of greed?