I haven't read the above link, but I have read some summaries elsewhere.
What caught my eye was the line saying SBC customers had accounted for a large number of subscribers. If E* is counting them, and I'm sure SBC is counting them, does that not artificially inflate satellite viewer numbers?
Now if the above 'double counting' is true, do you think E* is keeping a running count of sign-ups, and using that number for 'Total Subscribers' and not deducting the losses caused by churn?
It's probably like doing your taxes. You can pay twice or half what someone may figure and still feel 'OK' about it.