This thread may be veering a little off topic, but... I don't see it as being a monopoly. There will always be cable to turn to. It would be REALLY easy (in terms of simplicity, not emotions) to get a cable install at my house. If their prices went up too much, I'd probably switch. Right now DirecTV is cheaper than Digital Cable in my area. Even if DirecTV's prices went up 10-20%, I don't think I would get that upset as long as they took advantage of their increased capacity by giving me more HD and 5.1 broadcasts.
Fletch