I guess for me it would feel like giving up if I fall into this "it can't never ever ever" improve mode. Than I would just really roll up and die. I kinda have to have this hope to keep going.

Forgive me yet another political analysis (yes, this eastern european chick don't understand the plight of white Americans)... but it's like if you are a naiton going through bad times. You can give up adn say "oh well, we will always have wars and dictators" or you can try to do something. Yeah, it's costly. It can wreck you. But it worked for some. Of course not for all............ but maybe the struggle is also what makes life worth it. (my personal anthem used to be this silly portugese song about struggle being a joy).