IMHO Dish is dealing with relatively limited resources right now - both in cash flow and bandwidth.
"D" is expected to pass "E" in available bandwidth this year, which (if they've smartened up any) means they could possibly reverse roles with "E" as "HD Leader" on all three fronts (national, locals & PQ ).
If they combine that with decent improvements in their HD DVR program then "E" is going to need every carrot it can muster to keep churn to a minimum.
Chuck hinted at this a while back but I don't think anyone paid any attention.