Need help with Dish retailer problem

I got my PVR501 system from a retailer on approx. Jan 15 of 2002. I liked it well and all, but then in mid-July, I bought an HDTV. Naturally I had to have a Dish6000 receiver. I bought one, and had it activated on my account swapping it out with the other one. 3 days later I get a letter from the retailer saying I was in breach of contract and owed them $300 because I had swapped out the receiver. I immediately called them, told them I was not aware of this clause but that it was entirely my fault, and called dishnetwork. DN was nice enough to credit that retailer back their commission and the retailer credited me back my $300. The retailer contract said I have to keep their receiver active for 8 months as primary.

Now 8 months are over and I called the retailer today to ask if it's now okay to change receivers. I was using the 6000 as a secondary on the acct (even though the 501 isn't even connected). But now the retailer tells me I have to wait ANOTHER 8 MONTHS before I can take that 501 off of my account. Am I wrong here or does this seem a little over the top? The retailer got his commission back, but now he's just trying to screw me. He said it doesn't matter if my contract with dishnetwork runs out next January; I would still have to pay for service with dishnetwork until mid-April of next year (when the 8 months are up).

I don't think this is the way to treat a customer; I made a mistake, but everything worked out. I got the problem fixed within 48 hours of receiver their letter and for that I am being forced to pay for Dishnetwork service for almost 5 months beyond my contract? I like Dishnetwork but if they do force me like this, they will surely not have me back as a customer ever again. Any ideas on what to do or who to call to get this straightened out? I already called Sariah Cartwright's office, but they just told me they would 'investigate' it. I hope they figure something out, but I'm not holding out any hope for it.

Thx for letting me speak [rant],

Huzefa