I think they did also.. We got a good price for our's.
As for the majority of cabins being OTs, yes but there are a significant number of PH's on Explorer. In fact several are priced close to that of a Cove Residence.
I though the design was OK, but there is lots of wasted space.
The bathrooms are ridiculously small for the majority of the Residences.
The bedroom area is also small and rather claustrophobic -- this maximizes the living space but at the expense of the bedroom.
Only a Residence gets a butler. We have gotten used to this on Regent, SS, and Crystal.
Very few benefits -- no extra bookings at Marble or Sakura. Champagne was recently changed and no more Dom. Yes you get free laundry, but then on Regent everyone does.