The short answer is money. All decisions at WDW are based on how much profit is generated or what keeps their expenses the lowest. There can be all sort sorts of rhetoric on any decision, but it all comes down to money.
It's only open during peak seasons but the food is great when it's actually open. It's sad that it isn't open all year. The Asian shrimp salad was one of the best things I've ever eaten at WDW.