Are seedlings as delicate as we are told?

I have been starting seeds for 4 or 5 years now. I thought I had it down, but this year squashed my ego for sure. I know the mistakes I made, and at least I hope I learned from my mistakes.
The few seedlings I didn't manage to kill were some tomatoes. They were started in 3/4" soil blocks. Potted up into a 2" soil block. I moved them into the greenhouse where they survived for a couple of months. I didn't pot them up. They endured day time temps up to 111, and night temps of low 40s. How they survived I really don't know. Not surprising they look terrible! My first thought is I should just buy a few plants, and toss my seedlings in the compost.  I just couldn't do it. Everything I watch and read says they will not come back from this, won't grow well or be productive. And yet, I know this is silly, but I feel like they deserve a chance, they have endured and deserve better. I have a few tomatoes I started later so if what , "they" say is true I should still get some tomatoes.
The thing is the few I planted 10 days to 2 weeks ago are looking great. I would say they have doubled in size, and greening up. If I didn't know better I would think they were different plants. The jury is still out of course, they may not produce, but they are sure seem to be growing well. The small one is about 8 to 10 inches tall because I planted it quite deep. The larger one was planted deep also, maybe not as deep, but I would also say it seems to like where it's been planted, or it's just a fast grower. time will tell.
Now I'm wondering if I have waisted sad seedlings thinking they were a waist of time and space.
What do you think? Are veggie seedlings delicate or tough?  What is your experience with sad seedlings?