I booked a balcony cabin while on the Independence a couple of months ago. I was well aware of the new policy and it still bothered me when I made the booking. For me, it's not worth the bother to book while on a cruise because there's just no incentive. I usually use my diamond balcony discount, and if I should decide to book an inside cabin, I can use my stockholders benefit to get my $100 on board credit. Nobody is thrilled about this new policy.
Sonny