Wasn't trying to underestimate. Was actually genuinely asking the question, which I appreciate you answering. I think you're likely right--many people are more

Wasn't trying to underestimate. Was actually genuinely asking the question, which I appreciate you answering. I think you're likely right--many people are more than happy to delude themselves. Maybe I'm too cynical for that. And I think morale can actually improve when you're in an us-against-the-world situation, which is how I'd describe the hail mary situation. Lastly, why would I go to the mat? Because assuming I still care about the mission of the company, I think some of the greatest opportunities for growth (intellectual, financial) can come out of the darkest hours at companies. And I'm older, but this was my attitude back in the day when confronted by potentially-failing companies. I think we often run from what frightens us instead of appreciating how many new doors may open in those types of situations. Sort of like the (Buffett?) quote "be greedy when people are scared, scared when people are greedy." Yeah, survivorship bias and all, but I'd step into an argument where someone asked if opportunity is more likely in chaos or success (might lose that argument, but I'd still have it).