It's very rare that I partake in conversation with anyone other than those on my friendslist. I do use the headset however, if only to listen in on any tactical chat. Plus, sometimes, it's amusing to hear someone bitching and whining after you've just rinced them.
It's a moot point at the moment though as my wireless headset is knackered, so I'm stuck with the wired one, which is fine, for what it is, but it's incredibly quiet I've found. If the TV volume is set to anything approaching respectable then I struggle to hear anything over the headset anyway.
Finally undertook a few other gaming modes last night.
Started on Team Hardcore Deathmatch, which was an experience in itself. Played Vacant to start with, and slowly bedded myself into the experience. Only killed a few teammates, although to be fair one of those wasn't my fault. I was mid-rincing someone and they cut across my field of fire. The grenades took a bit of getting used to, considering you don't see where you're aiming them.
Somehow, I finished as top scorer on Vacant. Also played Crash and Ambush and enjoyed those.
After that I moved across to standard Search & Destroy. Really enjoyed that too. Played Bog, Backlot, District, Pipeline and Downpour. We won all five games, albeit two of those in overtime.
Again it took a little bit of getting used to as I've noticed that recently there's a general impatience that's crept into my play. I had to stop myself going off and running around looking for trouble. I also got extremely lucky a few times. Once, crouched by the barn next to B on Downpour, one of their team practically stumbled out of the doorway almost on top of me. Luckily I got the shot away first and nailed him. Later on District, I wandered around the corner heading towards C and came across three opposition players. Again, luckily, I got the drop on them. Satisying seeing the '+150' come up!
I'll carry on practicing for the moment, and then when I finally get around to getting another wireless headset I'll look to join in on a few games with you guys.