NFL network wants to be included in the basic cable package, just like ESPN, MTV, FX, TNT, TBS ect. However the cable companies think it is a niche channel and don't feel it is fair for the people that don't like football to have to pay for it even though they won't watch it. I am sorry but I could give a fuck less about BET yet you force everyone to have that crappy channel and pay for it so that others that are interested can have it, so how is NFL Network any different? I am sure you all have some spanish speaking channels on your basic cable package as well that you have no interest in? It all comes down to greed on both sides.
I have DirecTV and love it and I doubt I would ever go back to cable unless I moved somewhere that did not have DTV and would be forced into it.