The closest thing we may get to ala carte is a package of channels that each company has to offer since they would probably want to charge the same for one channel as they would for all of them.
I'm guessing that you dont follow UCF football? As is in the norm in Orlando. CSTV was usually the only way we could watch those games. As a result, most Conference USA fans were jealous of the Dish subs this past season, even though CUSA pretty much sucks for football.
That's a matter of opinion. Just left Direct TV and this is like Christmas. ESPN-U, College sports Television, and NFL Network for me is huge. Love sports and also liked Fine Living on Direct. To me DN's channel selection and additions blows away Direct.