Alright, finally had time to catch up on this thread. Heading to Disneyland tomorrow so I might be away for a while again.
The issue with the Cabanas was that they ruined the sight lines in Tomorrowland. Also, Disney used to be about making sure every guest felt like a VIP. Nobody got special treatment (unless you were part of Club 33, a politician, or a celebrity). Now, with the cabanas, which were visible to all guests, it most likely made those who couldn't afford them or didn't want to spend the money feel inferior.