I think its more then just looking at them as a sports team, sure they arent winning the stanley cup every year, but they are doing very well this year. Who knows if they will not be play off contenders in a few years (im sure all the fair weather fans will love them then) But you need to understand that without the pens, we are losing a huge amount in tax revenue if they go, and that will have to be made up for some how (higher taxes, cut backs, amoung others) Its in the best interest of the city to keep them here. Thats why everyone is complaining.
But then again, what would you care, you dont even live in the city of pittsburgh.