Update - a few days after hearing my ST was free, my bill showed "payment 1 of 6" for ST. I called them back yesterday to correct the problem. Got $60 off my bill for 12 months, and cancelled ST to get that first payment refunded. Will then use the season ticket holder discount I got this week from the Bills to get ST Max for $100. Took 75 minutes on the phone, but worth it.
I'm pleased with the outcome, but it's clear that DTV has changed under AT&T. Not nearly as accommodating. Likely my 15 years as a customer helped me on this one.