I think you're right on with this assessment. I've always believed we Americans were a hearty breed, but with abundance has come a certain apathy. And then, when our abundance is threatened, instead of fighting for what's right, we turn to someone to save us. Need proof? Just look at the economic downturn of late 2008. Americans, who just a few short years before would've never considered a socialist for President, willingly ran into Obama's arms and ate up his "hope and change" mantra. Americans were so terrified of losing their 401k's, they bought into the first huckster that came along.
When the anti-Christ does finally rise, times will be much worse. And once again, the sheeple will look to a "savior" to take care of them. And as you stated, they'll willingly and enthusiastically take the mark.