Mini boxes adding cost and reducing service?

I'm getting notices about mini boxes.  I have 3 TVs that will be affected.  Here are my questions.

1.  We the most basic TV service.  The TV's without the Cox box get channels not available on the box.  Will the "mini" boxes now limit channels, too?

2.  How does channel changing and volume control work on the mini boxes?  Will we have to use the huge Cox remote for both channel changing and volume, or need to use the TV remote for volume?

3.  FIOS claimed no service without a box, too; but when you connect your digital TV directly it works.

4.  Can we cancel our agreement early due to this change?  It seems to be a huge game changer.

Signed,

Your skeptical and less loyal customer.