Well we disagree, as it's not glib, it's 7 days Port adventures viewing from a private area, your reserved place, viewing 6 am to midnight when you want, compared to a 7 hour trip in one port.It is very glib to say "treat it as a port adventure", as if it were that easy to afford. Your comparison of the cost of 1 verandah upgrade to the combined cost of 6 expensive Alaska port excursions just underlines my point.
My cost on my cruise for a verandah, was less than one days trips in port, it's a reasonable comparison and typically I read some posters use it the other way saying the saving on a verandah gave them money for port adventures, so the pro inside room view uses it as a comparison.
The private views, room service on the verandah, fresh air is priceless.
Each person has their own view.
Bottom line, the prices of verandah rooms in Alaska reflect the direct benefit. So the demand pushes up the price, typically if you book on release you can get a great deal, then they go up and up in price and sell out.