In 88 they went out for 22 weeks plunging the majority of Hollywood into a mini Depression. Think about everybody from Directors down to waiters and valet parkers who depend on a working writing class.
It's naive to think it would only last a week. My prediction: they will break after a few months and this season will be written off. Look for things like Heroes, Chuck and Journeyman to be gone next season. All new shows this season look to be burned from the get go. Something like Lost might benefit from this as they will just have a no-go or a late seaseon...season.
I'm totally interested, however, in the boom of undistributed studio projects (ie: purchased independent films) to hit theatres soon. Stuf that the studio is sitting on might get green lit for release much sooner. Like Trick R Treat ( a Halloween-themed film slated for release in February).
Call me an asshole and unsupportive of my union brothers, but I'm actually excited by what this strike might cause.