Frankly, I think part of the trouble is that a lot of writers simply aren't skilled enough to play on readers' emotions so always wind up reaching for hyperbole because they only know the character has to hurt *really really bad*

This reminds me of an utterly awful (published) science fiction work I read - it ends with the utter destruction of the world and pretty much everyone in it. I could just see the draft of this novel being discussed in a writer's group and people saying, "Yeah, well, there's a lot of action and the plot is pretty well-paced, but I just don't *care*", and the author then upping the stakes - not just destruction of the city, but the country! No, the world! They must care now!

(My only concern was that the more irritating of the main characters survived, leaving open the potential for a sequel.)