So there is a tier system where they don't do hot drinks and if it seems really bad then no drinks at all?

Again, this wasn't flying through a thunderstorm, there were no bumps whatsoever.

I have to wonder if the next best thing to getting $$ for soda is simply not serving it.

Hate to kvetch, but this airline is trying to lead the whole industry down the toilet. As much as people complain about Southwest, at least they are primarily responsible for stopping many of US's extravagant feees from sticking and migrating to other carriers.