Well, you can still create a profile on Xbox Live and download updates. I'm not much for online gaming, either, but occasionally I'll play something with my nephew. However, I'm starting to think of going to a free Silver account, as I'd still be able to get the content I want. I just wouldn't be paying the $50 a year for online gaming. So yeah, if you can, hook up your 360 to the internet, if only temporarily, and you can get the updates for free. My Xbox 360 died before the dashboard update, even, but it sounded pretty cool. Even if I wasn't using Xbox Live at all, I'd still want my 360 networked so I could access music off of my computer's hard drive.
