Re Expectations & the fan "experience"
This old cliche applies for me... Its all about the journey, not the destination.
I like baseball games. I enjoy the process down to pretty small pieces... like a great play or performance in a loss can mitigate that loss for me. My "joy quotient" is always higher after wins; but still can be decent after losses. That's because Ga Tech has a great baseball program & they do waaaaaaay more good stuff on the diamond than bad.
Generally...over time Ga Tech baseball has been VERY good. Consistently so. By the time we reach games 58+, I'm good with the process & hope for deep runs in post-season. But when it doesn't happen, it doesn't dampen the 4 months of goodness I've experienced up to the final out.
My sense is most fans just sort of plod along waiting for that last loss either without fully enjoying the getting there OR retroactively firebombing all the good (joyful) memories after season ends... whatever the circumstances.
For example, I'll not forget last night. Frye (the 3rd SS in game) laying down that perfect bunt with 2 out to tie the ballgame in the 14th. Then to walkoff with Tres. I won't forget that good feeling & I'll revisit it in my mind every now & then. When we lose in May or June, I'll be disappointed I'm sure; but with no regrets.