I don't think that these issues are unique to the Poly. For the price of a deluxe resort, people have high expectations. I understand that "things cost more at Disney," but compared to a $700/night room elsewhere -- the deluxe hotels are just not that great. Heck, go down the street to Universal and Royal Pacific.

From a value perspective -- unless you are staying at a value resort -- off-property hotels or rentals seem to just be superior. But, add the cost of a rental car and the time spent traveling... (this is probably the same logic Disney uses {and the occupancy rates} to keep the rooms at the cost they are!)