I agree with you. But, I also feel mom helped create some of the distance. My husband is there now. When he called me a little while ago he said his son was very confused. However, my husband explained that he did not want to allow the adoption. Yet, if at 18 that is what step-son wanted, he could not stop him. Step-son said, (like you did), that while it was his mother that moved away (and yes husband gave consent-felt he did not have much choice-another long story), he still felt more connected to step-dad. He did say he was glad my husband and he were able to see each other, talk on the phone, and email. But, that it was a very different relationship than what he had with step-dad. Only time will tell if father and son will grow closer or further apart.
On the other hand, ex is quite miffed husband flew out there to discuss this.