GitLab backend lead here, and the guy who developed that feature :)

What you're describing is indeed a departure from previous behavior, but I think it is a change for the better, even if it may take a little bit of getting used to. You're not the only one who was surprised by it though, and it's being discussed in https://gitlab.com/gitlab-org/gitlab-ce/issues/21406 I've laid out my thoughts in a comment there.

Feel free to chime in; as always, we'd love to hear your input!