No one pays a lease fee. There is no lease fee. You are using their equipment with no charge. The fees you are paying are for services, DVR fee, additional outlet fee, etc. You would pay the exact same amount if you owned your own equipment. I have yet over all these years paid to have a defective receiver replaced. (Twice)
Cable does not come out and fix your system for free, they come out at no additional charge, a HUGE difference. It's one reason Cable is generally more expensive, that cost is put into the monthly prices. So you pay if you never need them.