Corona virus

Very unlikely but it's not that exspensive to reup it.

You can use microsoft rewards to get xbox live. Its 8,500 points for one month. If you just use the app and microsoft edge on xbox one that can take roughly eight weeks to earn. Maybe sooner if you log in everyday and check out all the offers. Even
quicker if you download the mobile app and check your email for bonus points.

I doubt it. I would think that any business or corporation that can exploit this pandemic is going to do so. Since so many people are forced to be home in isolation, Microsoft can leverage this opportunity to earn more through the increase in subscribers.
I'm sure they are being affected financially in their physical stores, so they'll likely see this as a way for them to balance out the losses and continue achieving their quarterly earnings goals.

You can still buy a xbox live sub online direct from Microsoft or cheaper at places like cdkeys.com.

If Microsoft rewards is available in your region then you can get a sub for free once you have enough points.

Chances are you'll get some sort of offer pop up on your dash once your gold sub expires.

A xbox live gold sub is a luxury,not a necessity &,as mentioned already,they don't want to put more stress on the severs with thousands more people joining xbox live because they are giving it away for free.

i haven't thought about that, and to be honest, i don't think they will do such a thing, but who knows, maybe, for about a week at least