Toulon
I have no idea what the cost was when it first became available, or the channel offerings. It's only natural to assume that the more demand there is, the more investments a company has to make to be able to serve a growing market. More staff, more software technology, etc.
But for 70 channels, compared to what most basic cable tv packages offer (with no on-demand or limitless DVR ability) $50/mo is still a very fair price point.
But too, and as I have expressed my concerns prior, I do wonder at what point the digital streaming industry becomes overtaken with the same type of price-gouging greed that we've witnessed in the media industry in general, the pharmaceutical industry, etc.
I don't think it's a matter of if, but when. Take advantage of it while you can, if you're cutting the cord. If nothing else, perhaps the digital streaming industry will force the cable companies to compete. Ideally, that's where this all goes.
But I'm not going to hold my breath.