Clearly, you did not live in Pittsburgh, or have not lived here since the 1970's. I too am sick of seeing Buffalo (where I used to live a long time ago) bashed, but Pittsburgh is very nice. That said, AB is a total D-bag for not going to Buffalo, and the morons who say living in Buffalo is a "downgrade" likely have not left NYC (which sucks) most of their life. Buffalo is also a great place, but so is Pittsburgh, don't take my word for it:
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/neighborhood/2018/08/20/Pittsburgh-No-2-most-livable-city-America-32-global-liveability-index-Economist/stories/201808200090 (2nd most livable city in US according to the Economist)
https://www.travelchannel.com/interests/travels-best/photos/travels-best-all-american-vacations-2014?page=6 (great vacation spot)
Also:
Pittsburgh ranked #2 in CNBC's 'Best Cities for Millennials.'
WalletHub.com rated Pittsburgh as the #3 city in their 'Best Big Cities to Live In' rankings.
Glassdoor ranked Pittsbugh as the #1 city for finding a job.
Pittsburgh ranked as the #2 best city for college graduates according to Smart Asset.
Forbes rated Pittsburgh in the top 10 cities to live in order to retire early.