These sayings both mean squat. I believe they are protective phrases used to hide the fact that they themselves were unable to put the effort and work in to it.
Don't get me wrong, efforts were likely put forth but throwing in the towel and moving on with something or someone new doesn't seem to be the go-to response for many LBSs on here.
Trying "hard enough" and trying "now that this..." should be appreciated if the excuse is LBS didn't try. Give people a chance and you will be surprised by what they can accomplish - when they truly mean to do so.
BD is usually a moment of clarity for LBSs and for many of us the starting point of making the changes or putting in the effort that is requested of us.
Maybe I'm feeling a little jilted but to say "you didn't ____ early enough" just feels like an excuse to cut and run right at the moment that doing ____ is about to take place.
I believe guilt drives the idea to use these phrases.
