said by camper: 
I didn't want to pollute telcodad's notification thread with commentary, so I'm starting a separate thread.
I just want to ask, how many of Comcast's customers have asked Comcast to encrypt the formerly clear QAM service?
And if very few customers of Comcast have asked for this new "service", then why is Comcast providing this new "service"?
What is the benefit to the customers of Comcast?
Comcast has never told me why this encryption is a benefit to me.
Comcast has only told me that I have to endure the encryption of formerly clear QAM channels.
Comcast made a business decision to encrypt everything, most likely, as has already been said, to generate more revenue. The most powerful feedback you can give to Comcast is to stop sending them your money. If enough people did that, they will see that their business decision is causing a decrease in revenue and they will reverse the decision. Vote with your wallet.