I have less than 0 interest in picking up a separate app or service for each channel. Aggregation is just way too convenient. Whether they like it or not, I don't think of things in terms of "I want to watch an HBO show", I think of them in terms of "I want to watch x, so I will go to y which has every show I want to watch". Hulu seemed to be pulling this off, but the networks couldn't seem to make that work for them.
I agree that the cause of those services existing (networks wanting to go it alone, causing licensing problems) is also the cause of Netflix's troubles. Netflix's subscription pricing change and subsequent subscription losses is a reflection of those licensing issues, though, as the producers are no longer giving it away for a relative pittance.
How did you first find out about the next show z that you want to watch? Content distributors know that often some is introduced to their next show z while watching x on y. They want to make y one of your dedicated content discovery places.
For me, at least, it's usually from friends who mention that show z is awesome, completely disassociated from where that show appears. Why would I be loyal to HBO when I know that AMC has some great shows as well, as does Showtime. HBO doesn't have the monopoly/near-monopoly on good stuff that it would need for their version to be attractive. I'm far from a normal TV watcher, though.
I agree that the cause of those services existing (networks wanting to go it alone, causing licensing problems) is also the cause of Netflix's troubles. Netflix's subscription pricing change and subsequent subscription losses is a reflection of those licensing issues, though, as the producers are no longer giving it away for a relative pittance.