2 points - Scott has stated, either earlier in this thread or in another, that the shopping channels make a lot of money for Dish. So, which is it? Is TMG demanding more money or is Dish?
Second, Charlie has personallly told us that E* monitors viewing habits "in aggregate" (although I don't know which receivers are capable of reporting back to Dish) and that this information is very valuable to them in contract negotiations.
I have no doubt that Charlie and company know exactly what they are doing in this situation. Sure there will be people ticked off about losing the channel, I was when CourtTv was gone. But, they will likely get it back AND their monthly bill probably won't go up next year.