Some random speculation, without any insider information:
crankyuser: "I’m guessing they’ve decided to clear the decks in anticipation of Halo 2, which is likely to push Live to the breaking point." http://www.kotaku.com/gaming/xbox/xbox-live-ban-day-025247.phpNovember 9, 2004 12:31 PMwow, that's an idiotic theory -- "lots of people are going to be on live! we haven't planned for this, NOR engineered live 3.0 specifically for this game! let's ban people!"
pen40ny: yeah, I don't buy it. I think it's more like, "lets get people to buy halo 2, play a bit, then drop the hammer on them. a little "fuck you" from microsoft"
crankyuser: heh
hey guys i have a modded xbox. forget about all talk about getting banned, i just started using live today, follow these simple steps:
1- you can use any harddrive you like as long as you don't sign onto live (if you swop your drive after you signed on you will probably be banned)
2- KEEP YOUR MODCHIP OFF WHILE YOU ARE ON LIVE
3- PLAY OFF OF YOUR RETAIL DVD.
4- ENJOY!