We have stayed at the CSR quite a bit and have loved the Pepper Market. Is is worth the tip...which can be avoided if you order to-go and eat outside or in the room.
I am still very disappointed to hear about the new buffet for lunch and breakfast. But if it is a CS credit it must be the best value for a CS credit on the entire property as the food is very good and much better than counter service fare we have had in the past. I would say give it a try.
What I used to like about the Pepper Market was the options for kids...if they did not want kids meals the adult meals were large enough to share or I could order sides for my kiddos. This kept cost way down and made up for the added tip. What I dislaike about the buffet is that that option is now gone except for dinner.
I like the baked goods at the Cafe Rix but I will miss getting a breakfast to go at Pepper Market. I used to get one adult breakfast and a few sides and then bring it back to the room and it would feed 2-4 people. I like having eggs or waffles and some bacon in the morning. But we are not big eaters and the buffet would just not be a good value for us.
I do not get the meal plans because we could never eat sides, desserts and entrees for every meal...the portions at Disney are just huge. But if I did have the meal plan, I would not hesitate to use teh credits at the PM.
On another note...for the OP. One of the perks at PM for kids is crayons and Disney coloring sheets. That on top of beverage service and friendly CMs plus real china and silverware make the gratuity worth it.
Our family loves the CSR

. I hope yours will too if you give it a chance.