I beg to differ Cleveland Dad, not on the process itself, but on the result. To me, it is very similar. In a transfer, lets say Fresh is playing well and helping team and team wants him back. But player for whatever reason, (a friend, girlfriend) wants to transfer). School expected player to stay and now has to fill roster with an unproven freshman instead. School gets hurt, but ok for son to transfer?
Although I agree that a trasfer is more accepted, I do not agree that such general acceptance makes it any different. In a transfer, the kid has signed a NLI taken $$$ and a roster spot. In a decommit situation, the kid simply says no thanks and takes nothing from the school.
Again, I am not saying under any circumstance it is OK to decommit. I am saying that in a limited situation (as I and others have described) it is an unfortunate necessity for the happiness of the player. And one that I would support my son making.