As I think, Singer is trying to make this movie not for only fans, but also for general people, who have doubts about this movie.
That scene was for general people, because it says that emotional side of Supes can be showed not only for himself.
Besides I see that scene also for fans. It reminds that fly from STM.
Singer made a great job trying to show this movie with positive side for general people and fans.
While X3 had only vissual effects and terrible storylines, SR has love story, very smart dialogues, excellent acting and enough action.
It is perfect Superman movie.
And I see it being even one of the best comic book movies.
But there is also dark side, Lex Luthor and NK. It is atmosphere, where Superman feels himself uncomfortable.
So I see there movie for general people and fanboys with light and dark sides, which can show the whole atmosphere and be used for people to feel, what the main hero feels.
Superman is trying to be not only human (emotinaly side), but also kryptonian with his destiny and history. He is trying to connect those 2 difficult sides.