Babs wasn't some sidekick to Steph. She was a mentor and important figure in her life just like she was for Cass, and she was basically the co-lead of that book with almost as much screentime as Steph had, and she even got some character development too.
She was in a supporting role, but it was far from a bad or inconsequential one. I fail to see how it was degrading unless being a mentor to a younger protagonist is degrading. But if so, then it didn't start with Steph.
Like miller said, it's really only been two very different takes and tones on the book. Right now the books are walking back away from the Burnside tone but it still feels like the title hasn't quite found it's proper footing or on a consistent way of depicting Babs.None the less her time as Batgirl has seen a range in tones, content, different interpretations, and new world building. Centered on her for her. Things they refused to do with Oracle anymore.
My point is about illustrating how DC views Oracle.