Yes, it was. He deployed sensors to capture readings inside of the tornados. He stayed as far away as possible (granted, given the nature of his research required risk) and would often refuse to deploy his sensors if there was any question about his teams safety. He was doing this for a cause, not because he was a thrill seeking yahoo like some of the chasing idiots.
Is a fireman a dumbass because they run into burning buildings? Are the hurricane hunters dumb for flying into hurricanes to collect data to warn coastal residents? They're doing it to save people as well.
This tornado made an unexpected turn to the north when it was pulled into the core of the storm and caught even the best off guard. I do agree with the fact that 98% of the chasers out there are dumbasses and shouldn't be there, in fact they make it more dangerous for the legit researchers. These guys weren't part of that 98% though.