It's unfortunate more people don't follow that advice. I understand the confusion in trying to follow MWD's advice from the books and go the Bo Peep route. I know I wasted time doing that! But you're SO right, it doesn't work. The only thing that works is respecting yourself enough to not sit around and take that crap behavior from anyone.
Congrats on the big 17-000!
If you love somebody, set them free. http://tinyurl.com/2empx2g