AMC will likely be irrelevant in five years. HBO is a smarter channel that understands that the writers, actors, creative heads, etc. are invaluable. Why do you think they constantly work with people like David Milch, Alan Ball, Ricky Gervais, Terrence Winter, etc.? They know that these people know exactly what they're doing and they give them carte blanche to do whatever they wish to do.
The problem with AMC is that it prides itself as some sort of quality, progressive network, but every time I watch one of their shows I think to myself, "This show would be better on HBO." That even goes for Mad Men and especially for shows like Rubicon and The Walking Dead.
HBO also has better business acumen. True Blood is an inferior so compared to Mad Men, but HBO makes a fucking killing of of True Blood DVD/Blu Ray, merchandising, etc. sales. It allows them to bank roll riskier projects. Would we have received shows like Game of Thrones if they picked Mad Men instead of True Blood? Unlikely. It was the right move.
