I hear you. This is super confusing. I will be on Edge this summer and actually want a set table with set waitstaff for late seating (this is what I requested.)
From what I’ve read (and anyone can correct me, please,) the booking process does not reflect reality. The website/app/booking vehicle asks you to pick when you really do not need to. On board, for the MDRs you can then eat whenever you want and wherever you want. I also believe, you can still have a set dining time with set waitstaff as I want (sounds like I need to go sort that out when I get on the ship as I have no options for dining reservations anywhere that I can see despite others saying they’ve done it. So that’s another confusing piece of this.)
All of the MDRs, from what I’ve read, have the ability to serve you from any of the menus, so it’s more about the ambiance/availability.
It is confusing because the booking process says one thing/passengers say another/and then there is the reality that exists. I hope I have it all right, but decided I literally can’t stress about that as we will be able to eat. 🙂