Maybe you are missing something.
While no one knows all the specifics, the plan/rumor being circulated is that all D* is doing from the customer standpoint is replacing the mirroring fee with a lease fee. You still have to pay an upfront amount for higher-end equipment. The current amount being bandied about is $300 upfront for the HD DVR which is just slightly cheaper than you can get it for now, but now you own it and take it out in the woods and shoot holes in it if you choose. What D* wants is for you to pay the $300 upfront, yet they still own the box.