The much celebrated arrival of the salamander to new species status is not the step backwards. It's the fact that what earned him that status is fewer options for breeding. "Forward" would be the ability to breed with other species of salamander with which he had been previously unable. Or a significant increase in body size. Or development of scales for protection. Or wings. Big teeth. Lose the cumbersome tail and walk upright. Of course, all this would take way to much time to be able to completely observe, yet you still assume that it has occurred.
Why are these things a step forward? Because in your perception it is a forward development? Not sure how breeding with other salamander species is a step "forward"? You see you need to stop thinking of individuals. Successful changes allow the species or new species to better fit its habitat. A step "forward" would be anything that allows the species to survive, not the individual. Walking upright would in no way be a step forward for a salamander. Also, the whole idea that salamanders could suddenly evolve that ability shows your ignorance. How does walking upright, having scales, wings, big teeth help salamanders exist in their environment.
Mankind is not the ultimately goal of evolution. There is no goal, other than survival.
Facts don't lie or have an agenda. Facts are just facts