I see it as akin to an alternate universe in which Fantasmic involved a bunch of similar barges permanently moored in Disneyland's Rivers of America.
Sure, it wouldn't result in the blocking of any awe-inspiring views and I'm sure most people wouldn't have consciously paid much attention to the views across the river before they were installed. Just having exposed show equipment sitting permanently and prominantly on stage, though, would completely undermine the whole idea that there was an "on stage" and thus what they have been telling us is different about Disney theme parks since the very beginning.