We always ask for our own table after the first cruise. We did not like having to be "on" during the meal if you will, were much younger than our tablemates, and much prefer to just relax and talk as little or as much as we like about things they would not find interesting. Of the four next cruises we were on one could not be accommodated on without moving to second seating which we did not want to do. We did not get along with the other couple at all on that cruise, though we were successful in holding our tongues - probably because it was only a three night. Very different leanings in every imaginable way (left vs. right politically, we are not religious, they were very judgmental that we do not choose to have kids, very gun friendly where we are not). We will not hesitate to move to second dining or any dining if we are asked to seat with others again.
If we DID have kids, perhaps we would feel very differently since they might benefit from meeting others their own age, and give us a bit of respite.

Frankly though, my husband is my most favorite person in the whole world, and we love having time together on our own. One or even two Palos wouldn't be enough.