We didn't have a balcony back when we sailed on the PG in 1998, early in it's history. We met two couples in LAX while we were waiting for the flight there and it turned out that our cabins were very near. I've never had a balcony as WindStar was our previous cruise and the big liners before that didn't have them, so I haven't been spoiled, I have to admit. However, we never ate in our room and were with this group on deck or on the islands all the time. We enjoy people watching or being in a fun group that we meet onboard and don't want to miss anything sitting on our balcony! (Not that we don't enjoy each other's company!)
We chose a sitting room on the Diamond this summer primarily because of the cost. I'm sure there will be times we may regret it but if it's a choice between cutting corners on excursions while we're in Europe or having the balcony, we'd rather spend the difference in that way. Everyone has to decide for themselves what is important and we're all different. Nice to have something for everyone! Have a fantastic time on the PG. It was a highlight in our traveling experiences.