Originally Posted by PatrickGSR94

I used to think the same thing. But you get used to it. Apparently it's easier to move the chain to a larger sprocket when tightening the cable tension, thus stretching the spring in the derailleur (both front and rear). Conversely, releasing the cable/spring tension is easier to shift to a smaller sprocket. And it just so happens that the larger sprocket up front is the harder gear, and the larger sprockets in the rear are the easier gears.