well since you asked so nicely
depends on what you mean by defending. I realize if anyone here accepts realities of physics or governing laws that contradicts what someone else wants they are labelled a disney apologist but in this case I agree, more shading would be helpful. And colorful shading would certainly add to the festive feeling. Can't agree more.
but you and me agreeing (or complaining) aint going to accomplish anything (except maybe stroke our egos) so being a pragmatist I am first interested in what I need to do to adapt (my personal list so far is bring a solar umbrella (which looks a lot like marketing to me), big floppy hat, sunglasses, extra water, neutral density filters for my camera, tips for the golf cart drivers). I know some will say we shouldn't have to adapt, we are paying so much! but isn't there a saying about grace and not sweating what you cant change but focus on what you can?
being the curious type I am inclined to dig into the 'why's' of something as an indicator of likelihood to change in the more distant future than what effects me now (this might be where complaining helps), and here numerous things come to mind, potential hurricane damage (maybe not for a 100 feet of structure, but a half mile, how do you put that up and take it down fast?!), potential law suit risk (its the times, if you don't put it up securely and it comes down on a passenger...), and cost (which ties in to making it sturdy). yep I know, greedy disney wanting to make a profit from their already expensive cruises, but budget is a consideration. But for me and cruising the ship is the destination not just the port. Maybe the port is the cherry on top, but the cake is the ship. so how much money do I want Disney to dump into the port and pass on the cost to me the consumer? If it was all about the port we would fly to grand cayman for example (which if you havent, you should, great place, any cruise doesnt do it justice). I realize not the same for everyone. Now I also realize just asking why makes it look like I am defending. Nope. Just prefer to understand than just criticize.
And then I look to history as a predictor to the future. Disney has a so so track record with putting up shade. I would love to see more in areas we routinely stand and wait (brutal for some reason at animal kingdom waiting to get in for example, better at Epcot). Bus stops tend to be more shaded at the resort hotel areas than value, but that might be just my perception. And yes, cruises are expensive but both CC and LC are not designed to be spas , but durable (maybe LC a bit more than CC), and so there are budget cuts. I would like to see more shade at both places, but I am not holding my breath. My guess is disney is waiting for trees to grow. yes I know. boo hiss. does solve a few problems at once.
Anyway, I need to go order some neutral density filters. thanks for reminding me.
edit. My treasure goes to CC too! maybe we are on the same cruise and could share a beer or two? wouldn't that be peachy. you could complain. I could defend. (my apologies if I crossed a line, I meant that more as a joke, but my sense of humor is an acquired taste at best).
edit 2. just read that shade on the pier can be bad for coral. I should have known that! learning is good (dont forget the sun moves in the sky so shade wont always be above the concrete).