So many sad stories... The dog house... and battery acid...make me weep!
I found out many years ago, that there are folks who adore hand made gifts and others that have no clue about the work ( time), the expense and the labour of love involved. I try to make a small item for someone to gauge which group they are in... if they don't show any interest I know. As crafters we are the lucky ones I think. The joy we get from crafting is so..enriching. The poor ignorant souls who do not craft do not realise what they are missing out on. Take comfort from knowing your life is probably much more joyful than theirs. That is what I try to think.
However if I give a quilt to a child I do tell them to use it and abuse it, I do not expect it to be a family heirloom. I like them to have fun with it, even if it's a picnic rug. I think I would draw the line for some of your experiences though! So ignorant.