I would agree that this is an attempt to push sanctuary guests to opt for specialty dining and the premier package. It has eroded my sense of value as a loyal passenger.
Deck 6 has live ambient music, soaring views, open aft view spaces that are touted on any ship as being most desirable. Deck 8 Sanctuary dining "premium" space will have guests moving from Wake Terrace bar and pool through the dining room in bathing suits and views of a bar, loungers and promenade with foot traffic. Consider this....Deck 7 for Sanctuary, 6 for traditional & Walk ins as well as 8 for Walk Ins overflow would have made far more sense.
I would also add that we are traveling with family who booked a Reserve Mini and they were considering upgrading to a Signature suite to dine with us but guess what, while paying considerably less, they are now getting the same upgrade to Sanctuary. I'm just disappointed in this transition and decisions made by Princess. For sure, the two other speciality dining rooms needed an upgrade but the allocation of space in the MDR is not right.
I'll still have a great time but I worked hard for decades and this is my retirement trip and I now wish I would have selected a tried and true Royal Class ship. I hope to have more time to cruise in retirement and now I am looking at other brands.