Sure they were asking people to feel sorry for them. Otherwise what then was the point of the complaints to which you yourself referred?
Given how much comic prices have increased in the last ten, thirty and sixty years, I find any kind of belly aching about "low" prices ridiculous. Whoever is doing the complaining is in very serious need of a reality check. Especially after they'd financed vacations and kids' school loans with their previous profits.
As a collector for the past 45 years, it's all about the passion for me. I can't tell you what (if any) money I've theoretically "made" on any of my purchases. For one thing I can't remember what I paid for any of my comics or other collectibles. For another I never look at the prices of the items I already have in my collection. I only look at those on my Want List.