I think the undeniable loss of moral authority came even more from the process than from the conclusion. It was, and remains, a process where:  
a) Laity who know more were told they intrinsically know less. Not on THIS issue.
b) The Wisdom of Women was 100% excluded and dismissed. Not on THIS issue.
c) Celibacy was deemed more morally insightful than marriage. Not on THIS issue.
d) Intimacy blessings from the Holy Spirit attendant to a sacrament were cited and claimed solely by men who never even received that sacrament. Not on THIS issue.
e) Laity concluded that it's OK not to trust those who don't trust them. Yes, on THIS issue.