Nfs Heat Cross Play Issue

This cross-platform play is a great idea, but unfortunately Xbox has figured out a way to ruin it by forcing their players to use Xbox Live (at least a $10/mo charge) just to party up with friends and family on a different console. You also cannot be in the same crew as someone else on a different console, nor share any photos (such as car photos) with anyone on a different platform. Playstation does not require you to have the PS+ membership to play online or send invites. Why come out with something like that if you're not going to allow people to use it freely? Major let down.