I appreciate that, I really do, but I would find it hard to believe some of the smaller cable companies wouldnt be at least in part willing to play ball if I am willing to pay them more than they are used to.
Also, the easiest way to make a million dollars is by doing what you love, nobody ever said losing 999m is easy.
The current smaller cable companies have strict agreements on what packages, what distribution channels and for what time they have licenced their channels.
If they have a licence to transmit HBO over their cable network, they most likely are not allowed to transmit HBO over public networks (i.e., Internet).
If they have a licence to include a sports channel in their basic package, they most likely are not allowed to take it out of the basic pack and offer it a-la-carte.
All the service terms are detailed before they get the channels, and if you convince them to really change their mind, then they can (try to) negotiate these new rights for their next content term, which comes up every two-three years.
Also, the easiest way to make a million dollars is by doing what you love, nobody ever said losing 999m is easy.