I find the non-ability to discriminate and modify one's herd instinct for no other reason than to conform to one's own definition of "supporter" a bit odd personally.
As for the club v country analogy, it's easy with cricket because it's a bit of a joke sport that despite pseudo-professional yearnings is played at a decent level by about 6 countries and still manages to accomoodate beer-swilling fatties. Good ol' Freddie can hit a ton, down 18 pints of best, get coked to the eyeballs and meet the PM. Let's chortle at the northerner.
I also think a lot of people did give up the ghost when we had an idiot like McLaren in charge. That's the point. We don't mind a plucky loser as long as they're the best option and provide some entertainment.
What we don't like is completely inexplicable and bizare decisions.
FFS.