While I do not find it "offensive", I agree with what you are saying about stories and rules within those stories. That is what makes good and bad stories, even if they are fantastical in nature.
For the record for other forum readers, as the OP of this thread I can say I did not write it to complain. I can handle the fast elevator trip to Space 220 the same way I can handle the 4 minutes it takes to get to Mars on Mission Space.
I do think Disney missed a chance to do a better job of educating the general public here. That is part of what Epcot is about - educating people about the world. They are not that far off right now if they just remove the zero-g astronauts outside. And the CMs do not make reference to the need for artificial gravity. Heck, have a satellite or space station come whipping by Space 220 at 17,000 mph. That would be somewhat realistic, mostly accurate, and fun! And educational.