I was just on the Regal in late February. I also do not prefer the dine anytime. First night we went to dinner and service was very slow. Not waiters fault, Princess seems to have reduced dinning room staff quite a bit. Skipped it, dinning room second night. Third night we went and was seated with a great waiter. On way out, we asked if we could book that table each night and was granted that. Dinner was a bit early at 5:20, but that greatly increased our experience at dinner.
Suggestion, go and make a reservation for the entire trip for a specific dinner time and table. Just like old times.
John