Rant invalid since Everything Pack is Top 250 + Cinemax, Showtime, Starz and HBO so that wouldn't work unless DIY gets absorbed by one of those 4 premiums.
I had this happen a while back, went on vacation and forgot to pay the bill. Came back and laid it but still had pop ups. Instead of hitting the cancel button to escape the message, you have to acknowledge it (hit ok/enter) twice. I did it and it went away.
Run a check switch to force a download.
Menu
System Setup
Installation
Point Dish
Check Switch
Test
Wait for test
Then exit all the way out. I usually cancel all the way out and then it should start back up and force it to download program guide
The AT 120 should allow you to keep your HD for life. A relative of mine had the Latino Dos and she has HD for life as well. But the cheapest HD package you should be able to get is the Dish America.