My experience has been different. Got into PbP with Max Wilson, Dork_Forge, Thunderous Mojo (a couple others also); we have done a few more sessions with a VTT.
Joined PhoenixPhyre's campaign'game a couple of years ago, enjoyed it enough to do a second campaign. Recruited KurtKurageous to play in our Saltmarsh campaign, he's still with us.
Oh, yes, that came through loud and clear. And that's frustrating, yes, I know from experience.Fams, it's about feeling betrayed, and feeling like my time was wasted.