You never know what will stir up the DIS! I always enjoy these passionate threads. Nobody asked, but my 2 cents:
1--Let's not assume that this is going to be a logistical nightmare. Sounds like this system has had a significant test run at the water parks. Sure, there will be a learning curve, as with FastPass, but doesn't sound too complicated.
2--This is just a guess, but I would assume that Disney has been more concerned with folks filling up their thermoses, cups from home, etc., than with return visits from loyal customers.
3--I don't know how you compensate those who were given incorrect info by CMs in the past about lifetime use and use at different resorts; however, if you can put this aside for a moment, how do you feel about the one resort/one stay program? For me, it's still a pretty good deal. We stay for a week at one resort, and it only takes 5 refills or so to "get our money's worth." Again, if you set aside the inconsistent info and enforcement history of this program, it doesn't seem outrageous to me. I'd rather have them try to make more money selling soda (which I can elect in or out of) than cutting back stage show performances and such.
4--It's interesting how things become "fact".
Disneyland Paris is not a failure. It's been making money for several years now, after a major debt restructuring in the mid-'90s. The Walt Disney Studios park just opened next door. And the way the overseas parks are structured, Disney didn't take a huge hit for the slow early years.