The key point is had the outburst not happened, the author would not have received the insight that "the best ideas address problems with high pain thresholds."

The key point is had the outburst not happened, the author would not have received the insight that "the best ideas address problems with high pain thresholds." By revealing his pain, he learned the lesson which has apparently since served him well. The rest, including the mood, is just background. In other words, if you're weighing two opportunities, one which addresses a minor annoyance or vague concern ("oh no, millenials are withdrawn") and another which fills an agonizing void ("why can't I connect with my niece?"), go with the second one.