Yes, they are, but the condition is not incurable, nor is it permanent. Territories like Guam and American Samoa are strategically placed for industries in info-tech and tourism. What the territories lack, more than anythign else, is a cohesive vision and ambition; which admittedly is the same that can be said of any person or community which suffers from the welfare mentality.
One thing about American Samoa that I know for sure is that the changes necessary too make the progress and advancement of Samoans possible as a result are going to make the traditionalists and conservatives of our people very uncomfortable.
You're right, no condition is incurable or permanent -- but I'm utterly confident that no major change in the political status of American Samoa will be forthcoming for several generations, at least. I understand what you're saying about info-technology and the like, but the fact is that these industries have virtually nothing to do with geography, and virtually everything to do with a highly-educated and motivated workforce. Sadly, welfare states like A.S. and Guam do not have such a workforce. Most working-age people there are lucky if they graduated from high school, and many of them today are obese, afflicted with health problems, have next to zero ambition, and are locked into a short-lifespan existence of direct or indirect dependence on government handouts.