Ok, I'm sort of with you on the gas usage (SUV) thing. I agree that you probably shouldn't complain if have the choice to buy a more efficient vehicle but instead you drive the ford excursion. Even then, some folks are worried about the safety of children and desire a 'tank'.
I don't think living further from work is the same argument. I can't afford to live close to work. I live 25 miles away and I drive and hour each way, at least.
Many people live further from work for the same reason they don't drive an inefficient vehicle, they can't afford that vehicle to begin with, or afford to live closer. In this area, and I'm guessing many others, the housing is more expensive the closer you get to the jobs. Location, location...you know. Those with less cash, must drive the furthest.
Not that I'm complaining about gas. I drive a 95 civic and I often carpool. I think carpooling is a pain in the butt,and it's not easy to schedule if you have kids to pick up, but it really saves a lot of money and stress. my .02
My point is that I meet people who complain about higher fuel costs and tell me that they commute 40 miles because they wanted a bigger house on a larger lot. This has happened on more than one occasion. Granted, I once commuted 55 miles when I got my first job (lived at my parents house at the time), but I got a little apartment close to work after three months of misery.
There are some cases where long commutes may be necessary. In many cases, however, the guy/gal whining about high fuel prices and his/her long commute should have thought about such factors first before falling in love with the idea of a "large house on a big lot."