I don't know about Americans in general but journalist professional reviewers on metacritic definitely do have a problem with accepting failure.
Long story short, journalists need paychecks and more to add to their portfolio so reviewing popular media is one way to accomplish this. Problem is what happens when you have people reviewing video games who do not like video games? Difficulties get redefined and the product experience is tailored to that crowd instead of the target audience. Because the buyers are taking advice from people who have no true interest in the product in question you get more zombie shooter clones. A perfect example of this is that scathing review of Fallen Enchantress: Legendary Heroes on metacritic. The author listed the pros as cons!
And that is why the industry is doomed unless consumers become aware.
Edit: Added FE:LH review example. No I am not going to add a link because that would reward the said site with more hits.
