We loved our cunard QM2 cruise as well, it was back in 2015 and part of a world segment. I can tell you, it was some of the people doing the world cruise that were shunning the dress requirements rather than the pax doing the segment. However, mostly they stayed out of the MDR and just went to the buffet.
We may have countdowns in other places as well. Besides, we may be too silly by reposting all the time but we like it. I am sure there are some things you do that are redundant or may be silly, feel free to continue those activities as well.
We use a TA for some cruises and while sometimes you are better off going direct, the TA is nearly always cheaper and the better deal. This is especially true if getting a travel package such as a fly, stay, cruise package.