Fair enough. And it's true that poorer, or more rural, drivers spend a much higher percentage of income on gas. See excellent graphic by the NYT on this:

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2008/06/09/business/20080...

I think I was reflexively lashing out against some people I know that constantly complain about gas, yet choose to drive large trucks and definitely aren't struggling to make ends meet. For them I suppose it's just another topic for small talk, much like the weather.