There are lots of shows that are critically acclaimed with "shit ratings" that do really, really well on Netflix. The game has changed, it's not all about TV ratings anymore.
Shows like The Good Place and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, for example. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend in particular, is perennially the lowest rated show in all of broadcast television, but has been one of Netflix's highest rated shows, which is why they continue to produce it.
They make a bit of money airing it on the CW, but most of the show's profits come from Netflix licensing fees.
They should air discovery on CBS, then license it to Netflix in the USA just like they do in every other country.
Until then, I like that I can use Sonarr to watch it and I don't feel guilty one iota because I already pay Comcast for CBS.
I believe CBS should give a login to cable subscribers. But since they don't, and CBS already has my money, I use other means to watch the show.
What I don't like is your false dichotomy.
I'd rather them put it on a popular existing platform like Netflix, Hulu or Amazon Prime, or better yet, on CBS proper.