I just returned back to filling airdrops after opting out several years ago. I have seen some successes and I have met lots of failings. I am yet to lose money though. The thing for me is every money I spend in crypto is money I got from crypto. Whether trade, hive rewards, Leo rewards or airdrops, it is still awesome for me.
I am yet to separate the scams from the legit and as a result I have been nonchalant about drops that later made people rich while going all out for drops that turned to dust. I have been scammed once and that is that.
Why I still do airdrops though is because there is the essence of being a part of something at its initial stage and like you mentioned, some of these projects blow up sometimes. Like you though I have found it difficult to be patient, to play the long game. This is mostly because I need the money as soon as it shows up.
I believe that if anyone can balance airdrops, trading, utility of any blockchain app for rewards , the rewards would be huge. But it is just my opinion.