I know. It is a shame really, because if the outpouring of sadness here on the DIS was indicative of guest's support of AP, a radical change would not be necessary.
YIKES! I would love this, however I could never justify that kind of money for my crew. A fixed cost meal would be necessary, IMO with every person paying to gain entry, however if they price it too high I believer AP will be in the same boat it is now in. Part of success in a restaurant is the ability to sustain a high percentage of seats filled, along with the ability to turn those seats. A meal that costs $100 is going to be a long meal in order to justify that fee, and so unless it is incredibly delicious....well.... I don't know.
I agree there will be a few characters and the M&G will probably be either before or after the meal. Roaming characters will not be a benefit unless they could keep them moving.