> What exactly is the problem for me or anybody else reading the article that some PE investors weren't able to get the return they had hoped for on their investments?

A widespread contagion in the industry would wipe out significant parts of the service sector, which we humans rely upon.

> Should I feel sorry for them? Should I send them part of my paycheck to ease their wounds?

The PE firms? Absolutely not. Fuck them.

But as with the CDO mess, the damage won't stay with the Bain Capital types. They'll all be fine; it's the consumer who gets fucked.

As the article notes, that includes things like pension funds. Your 401k, probably, too.

What we should do is prevent this wealth transfer from the poorest to the richest shit from continuing to happen over and over again.