And what do you think is more relateable? The idea that we are all going to die, which is something none of us can really comprehend and can cause existential crisis starting in your early teens when you start thinking about it when you go to bed, OR
looking back to your junkie, self-abusing, lonely, depressed self from a whole different perspective? Mind you, said perspective includes another 20 years of experience since the start of your struggles, and includes you being a happily married (let's stick with happy), successful person.
Personally, I think more about my inevitable death, than what am I gonna think about my current or past struggles once I am - if I am, to begin with - settled in life in 15-20 years.
VMOE is a good exception on HM, because that song actually has a big punch and can be interpreted in a more general way, even though it's one of the most addiction-specific song on the record.
I can happily listen to testimonials of people who bettered their life, and reflect on their struggles, great for them!! But I burst out in tears when I see Florence sing with a young child who is going to die in a few weeks. HM's meaning and lyrical content is only strong if you are in some specific situation; otherwise, you can have at least 2 more NIN songs from the past for each song on the record.