"restriction of the service draws the customers attention to the problem"
If that is their line then I think they have lost the plot somewhat.
I have defended NTL many times in this forum as they have always been good to me - but I cannnot defend that attitude. Since I pay by DD I'm probably never going to hear that line - which is fortunate for NTL as my reply could well be pretty swift.
"I find that that removal of your services from my home is the quickest way to draw your attention to the stupidity of that attitude".