Since this system is added into your path to the Internet it is costly and limited. FAP isn't horrible unless you don't want to share with others paying for the same service. And face it, the plans are rated for your needs, but to get more you need to pay more. You consider it sub-par, as compared to what (sat providers only)? Look at it this way, If Sat Internet wasn't there who would be sub-par then?
You don't think there is overhead to put this bird up? I wouldn't send one up unless there is a large enough customer base to help offset the cost. And unless your a new subscriber I don't see Hughes giving us a free re-point to the new bird since were already paying and in the system, plus, no matter what, Hughes still maintains a trunk line to each NOC. As for FAP, it will still be used, not easy to add bandwidth to a satellite when used up. And I think somewhere down the line everyone with Hughes will be using a 7000 modem, or something newer. So there are 2 choices if one needs more bandwidth, pay for a higher plan or move to where you can get the connection.