To be honest (and I mean this in away to defend the mackems), most Sunderland supporters have accepted that, save for a colossal error on our part, we've probably won the finishing-place war this season. Not only would Sunderland have to keep up with us in the number of wins/draws we're getting, but they would have to better us enough to close a 15 point gap, which equates to 5 wins more than us (or a combo of wins and draws).
However, once some Sunderland supporters (and even Bruce) accepts that, they can focus entirely on themselves and sort the situation out. It's quite refreshing when you come to terms with something and the frustration melts away. There will be some Sunderland supporters who still think it's wide open, and they'll just keep frustrating themselves more and more, but let them get on with it.