I have to agree with your sentiment here. While everyone is somewhat chagrined about the filibuster deal, I believe that we have to realise that we have gained ground here. Pryor, Brown and Owen were all essentially written off and now they're confirmed. We've moved this whole argument to the right.
And this ballgame isn't over yet, believe me.
A standard that is now deemed as not "extreme" or "extraordinary" and is acceptable.
Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. Psalm 2
Albeit, the Democrats have succeeded in defining extremism down. Pryor isn't much different than your average citizen in his beliefs.
why do you think that there are 51 votes to confirm? No vote has happened yet.