The demotion was completely intentional. Part of the whole point of the new 52 was to make their characters younger and less experienced. Just because Lobdell didn't get that or Tynion thinks its ok to have his leads do things like one shot the likes of Shiva doesn't mean that should be the standard other characters should be held to, or that other writers are doing something wrong by not having their characters do that same type of garbage.
Simone was just trying to embrace what the New 52 did and was trying to rebuild her character's abilities and experiences over time, giving the readers character growth that they could see and experience with the character. Burnside did it too. That run started off by having Babs accidentally blowing up all her equipment, and had her struggling against two young girls with motorcycles and swords. Keeping her Oracle level skills and experience defeats the purpose of making her younger.