IMO they never 'backed down' just changed things a bit to let people disconnect the Kinect 2.0 if they want. Me I have no problem with it. My Kinect 1.0 is always connected to my 360 anyway and my console is always online when powered up so those features of the One aren't an issue.
It certainly didn't break the One by not being always required. Don't forget it was the voice of people on the internet that caused the One to be changed before launch, so you could say it was gamers that acutally broke the console
My issue is that many features they perfected over years of the 360 were not included or not working at launch of the One. Look at the launch 360 compared to the way it is now. many UI overhauls and total redesigns. Where as the PS3 UI is horrid and hasn't been updated at all over the years. Microsoft do actually listen to their customers and amend things.
I will eventually buy both consoles when I can afford them. Getting married in three months so been forbidden to purchase any new consoles till after we've paid for all of that. However both consoles better hurry up and get 3D Blu ray playback enabled ASAP.