The converse is, of course, true too. Some (many) people don't realise just how powerful a real, proper "thank you" is. I don't mean a superficial one, but giving someone a proper sense of appreciation, that, as the boss, you both notice their efforts and appreciate them. It's highly motivating to feel you're seen as valued, and any boss not using this is missing a trick. And by "using" it, I don't mean cynically using it as form of manipulation, because that, long term at least, will be seen though and resented. I mean any boss that is not thanking and appreciating staff when they deserve it is missing a critical tool in the management armoury.
So it's not just that omitting to thank people annoys them, it's that a well-placed thanks works wonders for most people. Not doing it, therefore, is a double own goal, partly by winding people up, and partly by missing out on the goodwill you could have actively gained by doing it.
I don't know Jay, but the way I read his opening post is that a thanks would have gone a long way, and that if that "critical" issue really was critical, some nominal gift, be it being taken for a pint or bought a bottle of scotch, or something would have left him feeling very different from how he does now .... and far more receptive to putting himself out again, if the need were to ever arise. It's not the gift, not the beer or booze, that counts .... it's the thought.