While you have a valid point, the "atmosphere" of the beach now is nothing like it was 24 years ago when I first visited either. I liked Orient much better they way it was 20 years ago versus now.
Sometimes "progress" is a good thing and other times it is not so good.
Kind of like the boardwalk in Philipsburg. It is a lot different than years ago and it appears to have benefited the island in general. Some people will like it and call it progress, others will not care for it.