Question: How many Detroit fans would still be Detroit fans if they went on a 5-10 season streak of missing the playoffs?
I don't think it really matters.
I would understand that people just get frustrated at the team and bails out, same as anybody jumping in when they're successful. That's how a fanbase works.
I know a number of people who bailed on the Leafs during the playoff drought, and I don't even blame them.