I am sure some will chime in on the bacon comments. Carnival cruises are always fun, they thrive on that. I have to echo the other poster, I actually have never encountered a negative employee, but that is me. Some other comments on your questions. In terms of the limited (bacon) and how busy the pizza was, and the cheapness comment, Carnival is 30 Bill in the hole. Some things had to give, these might be a part of that.
Timing on food options has always been there. When the cattle grazing begins, it continues until the food disappears, simply a fact. Other cruise lines do similar but a little different.
Thanks for doing the review. It always interest me when experienced cruisers try Carnival and their thoughts on the product.