I'm going to abstain from side comment, other than to say, I was at the NYC consulate today for a meeting.

The visa side, was notably empty! There is a big sign that says to go 3rd party site downtown.

It appears that the Russian Consulate can now handle much more Russian citizen services, passports and pensions etc, since the traffic for visitors has been moved.

Personally I think this is a good move for Russian citizens needing services.