mmt, I agree with you on a philosophical level. But on a practical level, I think you're getting to caught up in the comments from Simmy rather than just looking at the reality of the situation. Taking a "step backward" really isn't a big deal. If you feel that your moving into a better situation and prefer the new job, that's really all that matters. (The only exception, as anton notes, would be if you planned on moving again right away, in which case I don't know why you're leaving in the first place and deserve a loyalty hit.)
So yes, I agree that the set-up and Simmy comments could/should certainly be better, but in practical application I think it makes little to no difference.