I think it's deeper than just 'programmers today'. It's an important life lesson for people pre-disposed towards niceness to learn. Most people aren't thoughtful or considerate or fair. They just want to maximise benefit for themselves and their family. You're pushing a free product - so to them it's 'worthless' and they can treat you like trash.

Figure it out sooner rather than later or you'll be walked over for the rest of your life.