Directtv programing change elgin, Arizona

I don't know whether this is a ripoff or not but it is poor business practice.  I tried to select ESPN Classic (which I have had for several years) only to find that I now am unable to watch.  When I contacted Direct T-V about the problem I was told that their programing had been changed and that in order to have that channel, I would have to add another tier of sports programing at an additional fee of $14.95.

I am presently paying $69.64 per month of which ESPN Classic was previously included.  Now without my knowledge this channel was moved to another tier of sports programing that I am not interested in.  I am not interested in additional sports programing, just what I had paid for in the past.

They (as usual) bring up the caveat that programing may be changed at any time.  although I have noticed that they seem to add those goofy home shopping channels at the drop of a hat.

I have been a loyal subscriber for 10+ years but if Direct T-V is going to slowly erode their programing in such a manner, I may be forced to subscribe to a different  provider.  I am affraid that this is just the start of continuing reduction of the service that I am paying for presently and nickle and dime the consumer for additional fees.