I think that this is misleading, they didn't really "move" anything, they just used a current key that was locking 1.26B to lock the funds with a different key. So the network only processed this small amount of cryptographic computation. For the Bitcoin network, the size of the transfer (i.e., fee) can be the same for sending 1 BTC as 1000000 BTC
I agree that smart contracts are by far the most interesting thing about this kind of blockchain idea. However since it is permissioned (i.e., not a blockchain), then JP can just change the rules whenever they want. The novel idea that came out of blockchain was the permissionless aspect. While there are tons of problems with blockchain today, you have some assurance that the smart contract will operate as the terms originally sent to the chain. Having a JP run a blockchain essentially cant provide any more (meaningful) assurance than an existing written contract by JP.
Furthermore to say that interesting applications will emerge in permissioned blockchains is akin to saying ever since 2010 Neural networks will make a large impact. It may be true but NNs have been around for decades while Permissioned Blockchains (i.e., distributed ledgers) have also been around for decades. They are merely; append only, distributed, permissioned data structures/bases that have some level of throughput and information guarantees
Maybe it is all about funding, the established scientists will receive the greatest chance of getting a grant because they have their previous work to support their ability and direction. Challenging scientists may not be able to contest the established scientists because of this