If distributors are willing to carry a channel without having any HD content on it, what's the motivation to push for HD content? It should take more than a stretch-o-vision bone or simple upconverts to call yourself HD.
I'd imagine that the MTV networks see things as competing with themselves. They have to be wondering what the point is. Bravo went there once already.
It is not DIRECTV's job to strong-arm content providers. DIRECTV's job is to get the channels to my set-top box. MY job is to complain about sub-standard content by direct contact with the providers or by not watching.