I think you nailed it. I agree wholeheartedly with your analysis and think that generally speaking people underestimate how big of a deal being without employment is mentally.

Work gives people a purpose - even if it isn't the best purpose, it also gives people a community - even if it isn't the best community.

I think people in the tech world fail to actually understand the mindset of the majority of workers. They need to watch Dirty Jobs more.