You are correct that a silver account is free and you will be allowed basic server browsing with that account. It will also allow you to get single player achievements.
But to get the true multiplayer experience (achievements, matchmaking, cross-platform play) you need a Gold account. You are mistaken to think that Cross-platform play is the only difference in the two accounts. If you look at the chart on this page, you will see the differences -
http://www.gamesforwindows....
As for being a Sony fanboy, I would have to disagree. I actually am a dyed in the wool PC gamer. I want Live for Windows to succeed, because I want to earn achievements for with my PC gaming skills. I do own a PS2, but I will never own a PS3, due to cost and little in the way of gaming value. I do have a 360, but it get more use as a DVD player than a gaming console. If you would like to see my collection of games to verify this claims, please visit my gamestop profile -
http://www.gamespot.com/use...
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