The only HD channels that will show on the Dish Family is your locals, if available. You will still be eligible to get the HD free for life when you upgrade to a package that has an HD add-on (AT package).
Thanks Mary. That information will help in the decision making process. It would have been nice if the $99 HD For Life fee would've gotten Food-HD for the wife. But it's good to know that switching to Dish Family doesn't completely "flush" that $99 away when I switch back later (if I switch to Dish Family in the first place).
Cheers