I don't know that Steve is saying wanting to spend your money how you want is wrong, I think I kind of see his point that being part of a bundle would allow a fledgling channel to develop interesting programming without having to get it from the start.

However, if it's only in existence because it's leeching from channels that people actually watch, and nobody is watching the little guy, then why should it still be on the air? It's easier on the cable company program director because he gets some cushion, but not the end user.