I, for one, don't mind paying extra if the experience is worth it.
You might like to look back in the article archives for my stories on the specialty restaurants on the Millie class ships.
As others have said, you are not relegated to the buffet at each meal. The main dining room is a good -- but not great -- restaurant.
I like having the option ... on Summit, come May, we will eat in the specialty restaurant twice, at least. We budget for that. We will probably spend at least $100 each evening, but I'd rather that money go into my stomach than into a slot machine. Plus, it's less than what we'd spend for a similar meal ashore. I call it a good deal.
The point is that it's a CHOICE.
pamda -- CM First-Time Cruisers Editor