Thing is it's necessary to use things we do like. If I simply didn't like Xbox Live because it was its own piece of stuff thing that wasn't related to the ability to do anything else, I wouldn't complain about it, but it's a requirement for most games on Xbox 360.
As unfortunate as that is. You're stuff out of luck and can't do a thing to change it.
Not trying to be an ass, but if you can't/don't want to pay for it. Then you don't get the benefits of it.
No matter how expensive, stupid, outdated, or stuff it is. You just don't get Xbox Live. That's all there is to it.
I on the other hand, own an Xbox with Live and will be playing this if it turns out good.