It only seems backwards if you are still using a mouse. For Lion I would suggest a Magic Trackpad. Using gestures and swiping back and forth between web pages is a joy in Lion. Gestures are so tightly integrated now, you almost do yourself a service not to use them.
I getannoyed now, every time I have to click a back button in a browser.
you can pry my mouse out of my cold dead hand... :)