CPDRETIRED: Way to go! The 811 (or any HD receiver for that matter!) at $149/$199 is a steal - to put it in perspective, MSRP on my home theater remote is $199!
The normal CSR's can only do what their screen gives them permission to - which isn't much. Occasionally you'll find a good one who is really 'into' the technology, but for the most part, it's just a job. The Executive Office CSR's are just better informed and have a lot more leeway in taking care of the customer's needs. They are also able to cut through a lot of red tape, so if you run into a bureaucratic quagmire, give them a try.
Keep in mind that for the average customer, the normal CSR's are perfectly suited to taking care of their questions. It's customers like us - the ones who follow forums and know about offers before Dish's own employees do - that need something more. Think of it as 2nd Level support for fanatics! :mrgreen:
I work in the IT industry, so maybe I'm just used to missed product launch dates, buggy first releases, periodic software patches and 'backdoor' support calls. Personally, I am VERY happy when I can buy a $399 piece of hardware (or $699 in the case of the 6000u) for $149/$199 that comes with unlimited software patches (that are automatically installed!), will (usually) run for years without needing replacement, integrates perfectly with my existing hardware and won't be obsolete in six months! Are you listening Redmond? :mrgreen: