It can be frustrating for people that simply don't care for the variety and now have to make choices in a place where they used to be fine with an order of "one coffee, please".

Personally (quantity over quality when it comes to coffee), as long as I can still do that and get a hot, caffeinated, sugar-free (in regions where that's the default) beverage, I don't mind.

> ... now have to make choices in a place where they used to be fine ...

That seems to be the customer's problem though, not the business owner. The cafe owner has no obligation to stick to the old way of doing things forever. Companies change all the time and if customers aren't happy about it they should move on to other options.

Are people afraid to ask for a recommendation?

Ironically, that’s exactly how I feel going to a pub. I don’t really care for beer so anything works for me but I’m often expected to choose from many.

one alcohol, please