I think it's worthwhile to consider that probably just about all hardware is set in stone. If they really want to build these for release around November (the rumored time), they'll probably need to start manufacturing the parts around July or August at the latest. Now, as long as an electronic part is a drop-in change, I think that's possible. Although, if anyone hopes that Microsoft will change the GPU to match Sony... don't hold yer breath!
The most believable rumor that I've heard is the one where games get deactivated from your console when you sell them to a specific dealer. These dealers have to interact with Microsoft and pay fees. What that really means is that all random used game sales on places like eBay or Craigslist are gone for the X1... unless there's a way that users can deactivate their own games. There has been a rumor that people can do that, but obviously... nothing definitive.
Although, I do wonder if this will make Gamestop not like X1 games as much because they may not get as much money from the games. So, they may pay people less (is that even possible? ) for the games. Gamestop probably would have already ran out of business without their used game sales.
If the games do use a code, then yes, you will have to pay something to play it when you borrow a purchased game. I assume that rentals are not going away, and you will not have to pay anything more.
Microsoft does have sales, but it's so damned infrequent and not close to the craziness of Steam, so it's really not that worthwhile. I mean... I have bought some games during Microsoft sales, but in some cases, it was cheaper to buy the game new at retail than their digital copy.
X1!
Gigabit