I disagree about the importance of the NFL Network, but agree about being more concerned with Red Zone.
Every game counts in a 16 game season, but not every game broadcast matters. Say the Seahawks are playing the Lions. As a New Englander, a Patriots fan, and a guy who isn't involved in fantasy sports/gambling on sports, I could care less about that game in the regular season; regardless if it's Sunday afternoon, Sunday Night, Monday Night, Thursday Night, Thanksgiving, or on All Saints Day. If it's on and I see it, I'll watch it, but I'm not dropping Dish because I can't see that game.
Because I live in my team's home market, I won't miss a Patriots game, as it's broadcasted over the air. Now, I'm a casual sports watcher. I like my home teams, but don't lose my mind to watch other teams, unless they just happen to be on. If I was a Dolphins fan living in New England, I would have probably gone with Directv to begin with for Sunday Ticket. Most Dish subs haven't lost the ability to see the games they "need" to see. If you are one of those people, you are either too obsessed and in the minority, or a damn fool for thinking that Dish was the right provider to see every NFL game.
As for the Red Zone, you're right. Many people got complacent with paying $13+ a month for it. I am one of those people. But, I'm not going to have a meltdown if it doesn't return this season...for the above mentioned reasons.