Looking at different perspective, Astro might be thinking of to ensure their existing customers get the priority over those new subscribers. Imagine that if a new subscriber can get the HD decoder installation done earlier than other existing subscribers wo are still queueing, there will be noises or complaints flooding Astro. So, having those new subscribers get the standard package installation first and queue up for the HD installation like others, that would be seen as fair policy to everyone.

I'm not the Astro employee nor to defend them but just giving a different view on this process.

Most likely Astro didn't expect such a overwhelming response for HD subscriptions as well as attracting good response from new subscribers. The forum here might have played a part in contributing to these overwhelming responses. Looking at the new pages created a day in Astro B.yond thread, it is extraordinary

Agreed that Astro might have felt the pressure from TM, based on their HD subscription charges only start in April next year so that the 12 months contract could be dragged till 2011 to minimise impact towards their subscription base once TM launches the HSBB.

Can't do much on this since this is their official process for newbies. Hope they would install the bigger dish used for current HD reception straight away if you do subscribe to the SD package so that when your time comes for HD installation, it would be less hassle by just swapping the decoder and smartcard will do.