I really hate when people say "it's better than nothing" about something that's actually as good as nothing

I'm all for being optimistic, but when the situation you're saying that about is akin to telling someone with a single penny to their name that it's better than having no money, you're not helping at all. All you're doing is patronizing and that's more likely to offend someone than encourage them to think positively. I would much rather someone just be realistic with me and acknowledge my plight. It shows they can empathize rather than only sympathize, the former of which is far more important and, in most cases, more appropriate too.