We have stayed at the Coronado a total of ten times. All have been perfect stays except for the one last month. And, that had nothing to do with the resort, but with the fact that the Pop Warner kids and parents were there and they were loud, obnoxious and oblivious to what their kids were doing.
We used to stay deluxe all the time (the Contemporary and the Poly), but once the kids got older and sporting camps started, college expenses, it was no longer feasible to spend the money on the deluxes. We never once regretted moving down to a moderate and have loved everything about the Coronado. With the queen beds, fitness center, massage, hot tub, dining options, several bar options (including a lounge with dancing on the weekends), it has everything we needed. The only reason we have not stayed there for our annual vacation lately, is we've been able to get a better price renting points to stay in a studio at a DVC resort.
If the price of the CSR were the same as a DVC studio, we'd be back at the CSR in a heartbeat.
As far as paying for a preferred room, the only thing that puts you closer to is the main building (registration, food, lounge and gift shop); you will be further from the main pool. Since there is parking all around the resort and you'll have a car, I wouldn't pay for preferred. If you were put in the Ranchos, for instance, you could always drive your car up there or take a bus from your location (the bus stops are 2, 3, 4 and 1; 1 is the main building).