The point here isn't the name of the team or location of a team, but that fact that
it had existed and carried over many players versus a new team at start up.
Since you insist on telling revisionist stories, let me educate you:
Since the 2-14 team, the Oilers remained in Houston for two more seasons where they went 7-9 under Fishers first full season and 8-8 in his second season. After the move to Tennessee, Fisher had two more 8-8 seasons. To summarize:
PHP Code:
1998 NFL Tennessee Oilers 8 8 0 Fisher
1997 NFL Tennessee Oilers 8 8 0 Fisher
1996 NFL Houston Oilers 8 8 0 Fisher
1995 NFL Houston Oilers 7 9 0 Fisher
1994 NFL Houston Oilers 2 14 0 Pardee,Fisher
Mason was mentioned because in his rookie season (drafted by the Tennessee Oilers) as a special teams player (please read again) faired pretty well.
And last, about going to the game... They were already committed to leaving. How can you hold it against anyone for not spending their hard earned money to go see a team that was on its way out during their lame-duck season? Really? You could hold that against anyone?? Although 50,000+ did show up to see the Oilers beat Pittsburgh that final year.