I think I look at it the same way. I'd stay with a package too. Foxnews can't handle live coverage of stories like the tsunami, and a live event during O'Reilly is blacked out; so having CNN as a backup is important.
I watch "Pimp My Ride" on MTV; I watch "Bridezilla" on We; I watch "Best Week Ever" on VH1...three channels that are otherwise useless to me.
And there are some esoteric channels I like that might die if a la carte audiences reject them: History and National Geographic are two examples.
I think a la carte is one of those things that sounds great but will backfire badly in practice. What happens if the majority of Americans select only the "lowest common denominator" channels and drop the rest? The answer is, the crap will be emboldened and enriched, while the good stuff will die on the vine.
The only risk you take is that what you want to watch will be on a channel that exists but that you fail to choose. If, say WE, goes under, its watchable programming will find a home elsewhere.
While we're on the subject of interesting cable programming, do youselves a favor and find out when the next showing of the "THE WOMAN WITH HALF A BODY" is being shown on The Learning Channel again. I swear to you, watching this show changed my outlook on life. This woman is my hero, and you'll see why when you watch it. I think it should be required viewing for everyone. If you do catch it, let me know what you think.