We were also on this sailing. After many cruises, we decided to do things differently and much more casually. We didn't even try MDR for any meal. In the past we've enjoyed SeaDay Brunch... but skipped it this time. We did Bonsai Sushi and Emerils. I agree with you on the casual eating places were good and getting drinks never seemed to be much of an issue (no Cheers for us either). We also enjoyed the entertainment. Celestial Strings was good. And we went to quite a few Trivia games - also new to us and we found fun (no ships on a stick for us).
The other thing I saw on the book of faces groups: complaints of weed use and room stewards. Our steward was fantastic and responsive. We asked him to check our 'frig cause it didn't appear working; he got it changed out for us, got us extra towels when requested. And our inside cabin on 10 forward, we had no issues with any small of weed.
The only thing about the cabin - I think this was the absolute smallest bathroom we've ever had on a ship. I mean it was TINY!