They suspend your account though & make it just as hard as MS to get it back! The point I am making is its no different either way if your cards expired. Just call Xbox LIVE support they are based in Ireland they will sort it for you its a freephone call as well !!Valve don't charge you if you don't have the money on a debit card
You cannot blame MS if you did not change your account to not auto renew the sub can you for ages now you could go to xbox.com & edit your payment details from any web browser.