I have had both ends of the ping stick for this game. I lived in Boston and had 20ms ping and I have lived in San Francisco and had 90-100ms ping.

Is there a difference? Yes, there is.
Is it game breaking? No, its not. Unless you're well above 150ms. The way the game is designed after 150ms you need inhuman reflexes to avoid ground damage, unless you know the fight like the back of your hand.

People have the right to be upset, they're paying for a service, this game is not free. If you pay for any service no matter what it is and changes in a negative way you'd be upset.

To upgrade/move an entire data center one might take the time to try to benefit the most people for current player base. I feel Square didn't take this into account but rather choose and cannot blame them for an optimal business choice. Going with a group they have worked with, which is NTT.