Well, I guess the problem here is that the subject matter of Six Feet Under is fairly boring in comparison to Heroes, even if we don't get into the writing. I don't think that Heroes writing comes close to BSG, but I don't ANY FUCKING SHOW'S writing comes close to BSG. And again, BSG's subject matter is right up my alley -AND- the writing is top-notch.
However, it's kinda tough to compare a show when you don't like the subject matter that much. Six Feet Under had some really boring seasons, too. I stopped watching during Season 2 or 3 because of it, not really to pick it back up until the last season or so. (Wow, you actually going to tie up those fucking loose ends for once, Alan Ball?) On the flip side, you have shows like Carnivale, that also had really good subject matter to it, and thus, I couldn't wait to see the next episode each time.
My point is that you have a misunderstood point-of-view about the writing between cable TV and HBO/Showtime. Both networks have shitloads of money. Both cycle through writers on almost each episode (with a lead writer keeping it to the official canon and direction of the show). One network can say fuck, but the "I'm-so-cool-that-I'm-offensive" angle that HBO/Showtime abuses wears thin. (Though Dexter is pulling it off.) To be honest, I think that's the reason why Heroes is on network TV: HBO/Showtime would never accept a show that didn't have some sort of offensive/controversial theme.
Anyway, quit your fucking whining. It's not going to HBO; it will never go to HBO.
Rosalina: But you didn't.
Robert: But I DON'T.
Rosalina: You sure that's right?
Robert: I was going to HAVE told you they'd come?
Rosalina: No.
Robert: The subjunctive?
Rosalina: That's not the subjunctive.
Robert: I don't think the syntax has been invented yet.
Rosalina: It would have had to have had been.
Robert: Had to have...had...been? That can't be right.