I think the bottom line is that Directv's CSRs are retarded. I mean that in the sense that they are SLOW. Slow to learn about new promos, slow to catch on to what you're asking for, slow at everything.
The retention people are authorized to give a max $99 credit to customers who aren't satisfied.
So, call in if you aren't satisfied with the price of superfan. They will give you the $99 credit upfront. Even if it doesn't remove the $16 monthly superfan charges, it will make up for it.
Of course its not "supposed to be free for those who renew". Duh. That makes NO sense.
The free superfan promo is for NEW customers. Anyone who has signed up for directv in the past few years (while superfan has been an option) got it free the first time...
...they've just been trying to retain sunday ticket subscriptions by giving the credits.