You are right. The original focus was much more of a technology evolution showcase.
The piece that is the most disappointing is the loss of inspiration. While it's possible that someone could be inspired by this, the focus is entertainment. "People go on vacation to be in a fantasy, distracted from the real world" (And now a highly branded fantasy that hopefully drives merch sales.) The issue is that is the mantra of virtually every theme park, succeeding to various degrees. Epcot was different. Even as the edutainment idea waned, it was still about hopeful inspiration at its core. That there were things to discover in our actual world that were, down to it, pretty cool. And I think the majority of people who considered themselves Epcot fans, casual and dedicated, felt that - maybe if only subconsciously.
The reason I think the reaction is so strong for many of us is that there is no alternative. If I'm annoyed by what Disney is doing with their Star Wars franchises, I can go to their other parks - or Universal. If their hotels are now too pricey with little benefits, I can literally go to Bonnet Creek or Hotel Plaza Blvd. and be on property but not. If I miss the backlot tour at Studios, Universal Hollywood's is alive and well (and likely better in many ways). Plus, this isn't a movie. When you remake the live action Lion King, the original still exists as something to experience. In the physical world of a theme park, it doesn't work that way.
I by no means want Epcot to be a museum. It's needed significant investment since I worked there in 2002. But, I wanted the central theme and mission to remain. There isn't an alternative to the original idea of Epcot Center. When it is mortally wounded like this, you can't go down the street to the competitor. It's gone. And, that is pretty sad.