Reading about the NEX cameras here has made me regret my purchase.....

In your post you implied that NEX doesn't perform like a DSLR and getting it with the expectation it would is a mistake.

When I was doing my research, I came to the conclusion that for the performance/price ratio when considering low light performance and video capabilities NEX beats the DSLRs in it's price range. It was my understanding that most DSLRs under a grand are either entry-level or mid and while their phase detect allows them to focus a bit faster in bright light most will not do any better in low light or with fast moving objects until you start going into pro territory and different price range.

I looked at numerous high ISO JPEG comparisons on dpreview VS DSLRs and most trail behind NEX significantly in low light performance. Take something like Canon T3i or even the new T4i and take a look at the comparisons, they train in high ISO to NEX significantly. Maybe Nikon D5100 gets closer...but based on dpreview it doesn't seem to be as good for video.

My point here is when you say it doesn't perform like a DSLR you really have to consider which DSLR and what price range and for what capabilities your statement is actually true.