Bye Bye Ducks?

From the Chicago Tribune: The suspension of "Duck Dynasty" patriarch Phil Robertson for making controversial comments about gays and blacks during an interview with GQ magazine sparked a politically charged debate about religion and tolerance and cast doubt on the series' future.
Family members say they are considering withdrawing from the hit reality series over A&E's suspension of Robertson.
"We have had a successful working relationship with A&E but, as a family, we cannot imagine the show going forward without our patriarch at the helm," said the statement, which was released on the Robertsons' "Duck Commander" website. "We are in discussions with A&E to see what that means for the future of 'Duck Dynasty.'"
The statement said the Robertsons have "spent much time in prayer since learning of A&E's decision. We want you to know that first and foremost we are a family rooted in our faith in God and our belief that the Bible is His word.
"While some of Phil’s unfiltered comments to the reporter were coarse, his beliefs are grounded in the teachings of the Bible. Phil is a Godly man who follows what the Bible says are the greatest commandments: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart' and 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' Phil would never incite or encourage hate. We are disappointed that Phil has been placed on hiatus for expressing his faith, which is his constitutionally protected right.... Again, thank you for your continued support of our family."
The controversy put A&E in the awkward position of coming up with a palatable response possibly to the detriment of its most popular show, which is scheduled to begin its fifth season on January 15.    http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/chi-duck-dynasty-phil-robertson-sounds-off-on-gays-20131218,0,6319736.story
My guess is the Robertsons will drop the show instead of compromising their values and they also hold the cards.
If A&E keeps Phil fired and the Ducks walk, A&E will lose ten's of millions of dollars.
If A&E capitulates, then they risk losing their liberal viewers of Duck Dynasty- which number about 4.
And it is possible that the Ducks can switch to another channel, someone  who supports  their views.
And it is certainly possible that the Ducks will just quit and go back into their hole in the ground in Louisiana.