Yes, I can just pop out and replace the panels but I feel when it comes time to sell, having a dry wall ceiling will add more resale value to the kitchen. So, other than esthetics...I'd say more added resale value is what I'd be gaining, if not height.Beachguy has a good point. If you're not gaining anything, you might just be creating work for yourself. Pop out the panels, clean up the mess, and put new tiles in. Before you decide, take a trip to the store and see what's available.
All that being said, and after see the pics, you probably want the ceiling to be the same height it is now. Your cabinets etc. are sized for that ceiling.
Besides, the entire frame trim is gold and the rest of the kitchen will be SS, grey, white & black but even if I can change that trim color in a cost effective manor, I don't feel I'll gain the same added resale value as having a dry wall ceiling but that may require another thread?