Only here will you find people who are jealous of messy spaces! I posted pictures of my messy studio once, thinking I'd get sympathy for the work I had to do......just like you, I got ohh's and ahh's and green eyes of envy. Sure the space was nice when cleaned up, but until then.....
There's so much potential for this beautiful space. It's no wonder that you got these reactions. I just hope we weren't supposed to feel sumpathy or offer to come help!