I've heard the same stories before like yours and that made them get out of it. I don't want to risk my BTC too, though there's no airdrop to receive but its more rewarding when it's price goes up.
I can assure you that there are thousands of stories if not millions like this. All does not have to be with TRX though. I had another story with ETH as well. Bought in very high then it hit the bottom then it went back until I sold without profit but did not lose much. If I would sell in the bottom then I could lose over 85%.