I'd like to have some idea why exactly anyone would need 26 HBO and Cinemax channels. Most of those channels just repeat the same content over and over. I can understand wanting more than what is currently offered but 26 is a little overboard.
See I look at it just the opposite of you. Why not have 26 channels of HBO/MAX?
I had every possible premium channel in SD from the dawn of digital cable in the 1990's on. Once you have that kind of choice, it is very hard to go back. Since the dawn of HD, I have gotten more and more so to the point where I could not watch SD movies anymore. So having just the east and west HBO/MAX in HD with DirecTV, it is like I only have four channels again.
I like the option to flip. While I have a 1000+ DVD/Bluray/HD-DVD collection, there are hidden treasures that I have found over the years via the premium channels. The type of movie where you wouldn't even pick up the box at the video rental store but if you actually see the movie, you LOVE it! I like choice. Sure, many of the movies repeat throughout the month, but without 26 channels you aren't getting 26 individual options at any given pickup of the remote.
To each their own. A huge selling point for me is the most premium channels. I had FIOS before my house had a disaster and I was forced to move. Now I am in a part of town where I cannot get FIOS (even though 200 feet away is serviced). It is hard going from 26 to 4, let alone Showtime, Starz, and TMC.
For some of you sports channels are important. I live in the Tampa Bay metro and as long as I have the Bucs, Lightning, and Rays, I am good to go. I view the baseball package "extra innings" the same way some might view the movie channels. You are OK with a few HBOs, I want them all. I am OK with a few RSNs, you want them all. Do you really care about the game in Seattle involving two teams that mean nothing to you? Well, many pay for the extra package to get those games. I am paying actually more for premiums with DirecTV than I did with FIOS and getting less channels. So can you blame me for clamoring for more?