As far as I know, Microsoft has yet to reach that level of omnipotence to know everything you do. But if you play a game before the release date, they can find out with timestamps. I don't know all the ways they can find out, but maybe through non-stealthed backups as well. Or maybe with a checksum or something like that. It's good to be paranoid, but realize that Microsoft isn't perfect. ALWAYS check feedback about updates before updating yourself and learn from those member here who still haven't been banned for using backups. If you have a clean game log and put the original firmware back... how are they going to know? They still can't get everyone who's using hacked firmware, so what makes putting original firmware back stand out? They're not complete morons either, so try not to make it obvious.
the general rule is if you hack the firmware, it is possible to get banned by live. Now, IMO I would think it is unlikely if you only hack the firmware, but really, we don't know entirely everything MS is detecting. With that said, it would be possible.
i would say you are very lucky.....i know a lot of people on live with hacked firmware and they are going strong over 12 months later the trick is do not play before release date.......
