Ground crews certainly didn't enjoy the extra work involved in changing engines that were badly abused. However, they would be far more upset if their pilot and plane failed to come home.
The more considerate pilots took an interest in their crew's work. I could tell you many incidents where pilots can home from a mission, debriefed, had a meal, an maybe got a couple hours of sleep. Then, they showed up on the flight line in overalls to pitch in with that engine change or repair. More than a few would bring them hot coffee, or cold beer or sandwiches. Pilots who cared for the ground crews were beloved. The better officers understood that the effectiveness of that fighter was a team effort. Everyone was important to a successful sortie. These officers made sure that the maintenance crews knew this and showed them appreciation in many useful and practical ways.
Inversely, crews took great pride in their pilots and aircraft. Many a long night was had without complaint. If the Lt. had to abuse his engine to shot down enemy fighters and escape to home, that was alright with them.
Crews beamed with pride when their fighter was festooned with victory symbols. If a pilot and plane were lost, they grieved openly. In the AAF, some Group commanders gave crews time off to grieve, before assigning them to a new plane.
Crew chiefs would raise hell with pilots if they foolishly or needlessly abuse their aircraft. But, should a pilot need to run WEP for 30 minutes in combat, it was different. The pilot and plane came home, and that was all that really mattered.
