It doesn't matter what the object was, it's that America's adversaries know they can do it without consequences, and what makes them believe this is what matters about this story. That is the irreversible change it signifies, imo.
There was a consequence -- we shot it down.
> That is the irreversible change it signifies, imo.
It's not irreversible. Additional consequences can be initiated at any time.
Diplomatic or economic retribution of some kind would be a consequence.
Were you hoping the US would react without thinking through their options?
Personally, I want a considered, measured response. We can always add sanctions or start a nuclear war later. Right now it seems important to understand what happened, discuss with other leaders, and figure out a smart response.
But yeah a lot of people just want to escalate every situation.