You've probably also noticed a bunch of fellow-new-volvo-buyers around who experience the same problems as I do with my ancient cars. So I'm not so sure it's a poor man's problem. I think it's more likely that volvo was too anxious to sell cars that were filled with gadgets. All they knew was that consumers like yourself who insist on driving new vehicles are fond of advanced stuff. They probably didn't quite know how to properly produce those gizmos, or how to make them last.
As far as I know the iron block cars weren't too advanced, but they worked. That's something I cannot say about our 'advanced' 850's. I agree that the car's age, use and maintenance can make a difference, but in my opinion volvo's depend too much on those factors. Hate to bring up the Landcruiser-example again but after serious abuse, minimal maintenance and 260.000 km's it still runs every day.