The only parts I disagree with is:
"2. They don't always have HDMI cable to give with the receiver. In that case you get component. You won't see a difference anyway."
The cables should always be included these days and surely not just a component or any ONE cable type. This is a simple and reasonable expectation. All of the cables should be included for ANY type of connection - the component, composite, s-video and HDMI; these are in every standard HD box's packing; along with the remote and the batteries for the remote. It doesn't matter what anyone thinks can or can't be "seen". I think they even had a 6' piece of F-type RG6 and a 12' RJ-11 too.. I have received 4 units and they were in all 4..
And you speak of something you don't know. Yes in retail pack you will get A/V, component, and HDMI. The HSP's and Direct installers get boxes that just have the receiver and remote. They get the other cables in bulk. As I said sometimes there are no HDMI cables.
"As such Directv pays the installers next to nothing. You get what you pay for."
Bottom line is regardless of what DirecTV pays (or any other employer), if you take a job, your own personal pride should have you doing your best job each and every time based on what the customer should get. If an installer has hard feelings about what they get paid; QUIT!! Don't "F" the customer; its called doing the RIGHT thing, having PRIDE in YOURSELF and being a PROFESSIONAL (like any other employer / employee relationship) .. I could care less if you sack groceries or toss papers; if you take a job, do it right and to the best to your ability. The piss and moan, poor pitiful me attitudes are exactly what is wrong in the USA.
Has nothing to to with pride. Has to to do with what the installer is paid to do. DO you do work for free just because you are a professional? I am sure the answer is no. As such Direct pays for the minimum, and gets what they pay for. In this case the new dish was installed and receiver connected. Thats all that is paid for, and that is what was done.