I must admit, I was taken aback when the CM asked me for last name and zip code before even quoting me rates, but I think they've always maintained past reservation information in the computers. Once when I lost my confirmation sheet I called to request a new one and apparantly all of my past reservations popped up (including ones I'd cancelled). I've made LOTS of changes to my reservations and I've never gotten the feeling that the CM's were anything but polite and helpful (some who were sharper than others, but always polite even if some didn't go as far as others to help out) and never got the feeling that they were "looking down on me" for trying to get a better price.
I'm guessing that they're just trying to streamline the reservation system a bit. I really enjoyed not having to give my entire address (it's fairly long!). Also, if you're holding multiple reservations, it would be great to be able to check on what the system has currently for you to make sure that you cancel the appropriate reservations. It might make transferring payment easier also!
About asking for the child's birthdate, I'm betting that that has something to do with the transition between free/child/adult prices. If they have the child's birthdate on the reservation then it doesn't matter if the child is 9 when you book the reservation a year in advance and is now 10 when you're there... the child's age will be keyed to their DoB instead.
As far as CRO goign away and WDTC rules going into effect, all I can say is "yuck!" Having to pay in full 45 days out for a room only (and also losing deposit if you cancel within that 45 day window, ick) is pretty yucky. On one hand they are saying that they are charging for valet parking based on the "industry standard"... well the industry standard for hotels is one night's deposit and generally being able to cancel by the day before! Funny how the "industry standard" can be applied only when it benefits disney. Anyway, I think if they do phase out CRO and use WDTC rules exclusively that they will have to have the same cancellation policy as they do for DC card holders who are getting room-only reservations, and that's full refund if you cancel more than 5 days out.
Lisa