The price difference can be made up if their marketing strategy is done well. The features make up the price difference.
DRM -- sooner or later, other game consoles are going to do the same thing. We are headed that way. Publishers want this. Also if there is no need to manufacture discs and cases, the games will be less expensive.
Always online -- I'm always online and so is everyone else. If you're not, then you lost. Possibly the dumbest criticism
This system obviously changes the status quo and people are not always receptive to change.