What confuses me the most is that, for these "change-hating" residents, this "undesirable neighborhood transition" comes right alongside a standing offer of millions of dollars to move a little further away, due to increased home value.

Maybe I haven't passed that critical milestone, but I can't think of a scenario where I'd complain if my neighborhood decay came with such a surge in net worth? (not trying to be sarcastic, could be an issue of be never having been that attached to a specific neighborhood)

(Naturally, this wouldn't apply to those who are without rent control, and suffer the double-whammy of more outsiders + higher rent.)