Put your readers on, it's a long one. :)
We are a couple in our mid 40's, we have only been on one other (major) cruise before, the Celebrity Century in '08. I don't count the 30+ times on the Nova Scotia boat from Portland Maine.
I am a person who does a lot of research before purchasing a vacation / traveling. I get to travel extensively due to being in the aviation industry my whole working life. My travels have taken me from the middle middle seat on an aging DC-10 to the 1st class cabin of a 777. My point is that I feel I have experienced a broad range of services.
The cabin was perfect for 2 folks with a suitcase each. The closet was close to the bed but didn't put me out, I am 5'11", 200lbs, she is 5'6" "slender":) The people complaining about the space must be pretty big to complain about space in a balcony room.
Our cabin attendant was Sue, he was great. He remembered our names and always had our room ready at convenient times. We kept a pretty predictable schedule and he seemed to take note. I liked that the room was freshened up after we showered and changed for dinner, new towels and always a towel animal of some sort.
Had continental breakfast delivered to our room every morning and sat on the rear facing balcony enjoying the sunrise ( the rear balcony decks are huge and we had 2 lounger, 2 chairs and 2 small tables. Unfortunately it was the only time of day the balcony was used.