I only have Basic Cable (~30 channels, only half of which ever have anything resembling decent programming). I only get cable at all so I can watch a local hard rock video show every week.
No spouse, but I only watch things that are truly good: well-written, well-acted, preferably both. Needless to say, I use my TV mostly to watch movies! My daughter doesn't watch TV at all, she even gave up on Law & Order this year (I may too, the writing's just not of the same caliber - jury's still out
). Really, I watch less than 6 hours of TV in a given week (not including football games, my local access channel also gets the CFL!).
I've gone without having a TV a couple of times & it didn't really bother me (OK, after the first week or so, after I got over the DTs
). I just love stories so much I have to have one for movies at least. DVD rentals are cheaper than the theater & I don't have to plan ahead as far.
When my kiddo moves out & takes her high-speed connection with her, I'll REALLY get a lot of writing done!
And to answer the last 4 questions: no; never, if I can get away with it; never; only my espresso machine.