If you aren't into DX'ing, who really cares? Tha AM band has been overcrowded and short spaced for years in the US, far more so than say - Europe. I think HD on FM is great, sure it's not perfect. HD-AM I don't really understand digitalizing talk. But what do you suggest Tom, AM Stereo? That didn't work, and it's not moving the band towards the digital age.
Radio isn't dead, but AM is getting close so it needs something. Even Mexico is moving all their AM's to FM.