I think that's a very good alternative. As long as you realize you won't get pro games, at least nothing but the end if they go past the blackout time. (Happens with baseball all the time) Why not talk to a DIRT member and see if you can get that as a "replacement" no charge. By the way I assume that means you don't get three RSN's, YES, MSG, and SNY or are you somewhere only MSG is of those is an RSN for you? I wouldn't be surprised if you pay on time etc... if you couldn't get that or a credit for awhile. Others have been able to get a credit for a period of time.
Don't take no for an answer - it took a while, but I got $10 off my bill for the next year, due to the lack of ANY of the RSNs here in NY. We have two teams, the Rangers and the Devils in the NHL Playoffs, and not a single game was visible here - and both went to seven games. But I've beat that horse before...