Just because we think it is standard, does not in fact make it the standard. As long as there are SD receivers and channels out there, not just with Dish but with any provider, HD is not going to be the standard. You can cross your fingers that a push in the direction of 4K makes HD the standard and UHD the premium, but even then, the people holding back may just change that."HD" is standard now. It is not a niche luxury anymore. I cannot believe dish and other providers make it an option for a fee.
It would be like buying long distance service on a modern cell phone.