I don't know, I think there is a difference. Robin is a concept Bruce appropriated from Dick which is now almost universally used to designate a sidekick rather than a partner. Nightwing is an independent entity that Dick spent years building himself with little direct interference from anyone else. I wouldn't really view that as as a step down persay, even if the Bat-symbol does ultimately carry more weight in the criminal underworld.
Of course, that doesn't mean they won't do exactly that. I'd just hate to see Dick have to start from scratch yet again. Sigh.