That is a good point. There are often (coming from LA) very long connection times in SVO. However, with the flight being $500 cheaper, and the Visa costing about $160 (3 year multiple entry), it still looked like a good deal to me.
Originally we were, because of the Visa costs, just going to "tough it out" in the transit wing of the Novotel hotel. But then we decided to actually see Moscow in one direction, put in a one day stopover (cost is $75 US), and, having decided to purchase the 3 year multi visa (only $20 more than 1 entry transit), we will stay in one of the airport hotels in the other direction.
The total cost is STILL way less than flying any other airline.