I think their routing system has changed because I called Friday, and the woman I spoke to could only offer me half off the MAX. I don't typically use all that comes with that package so I just declined and hung up.
On Monday, I called again only this time instead of saying "Cancel" "Cancel", I said "Cancel", "Close Account". I was routed to a really nice guy who offered me RedZone for free plus a bunch of bill credits. For me, RedZone is pretty much all I watch so I grabbed that deal. Lowered my bill by about $45 a month plus I have RedZone by itself for the first time ever.
I don't know if they are getting wise to us calling every year or if this simply is a change in their automated menu system, but it seems you have to be very specific about closing your account to get a Retentions rep. They did update their billing department recently so it might just be because of that. But if you don't get any offers you want, don't be afraid to call back. They're there...you just need to get the correct department.
I could've gotten the basic ST for free too...it was that or the RedZone. So if you don't like the RZ channel the standard ST package should be an offer too. Also, it helps to say something like "my friend also has Direct and he's getting such-and-such". Seems to put the reps on defense to match what you're asking for (within reason, of course).
No contract, 3yrs as a DTV customer with Ultimate pkg & 4 outlets...gotten some form of the Ticket free every year so far. No complaints here!