Why did the San Francisco 49ers lose some fans in the mid-2000s?

In 2005, the San Francisco 49ers drafted Alex Smith with the #1 pick in the NFL draft. The organization selected Smith, a Quarterback from the University of Utah and originally from Bremerton, WA, over Aaron Rodgers. Aaron Rodgers, a Quarterback from the University of California originally from Chico, CA, ultimately was drafted by the Green Bay Packers with pick #35 and went on to become one of the most highly regarded quarterbacks of all time.

After passing on Rodgers, the 49ers missed the playoffs for the next 5 seasons. Since they had missed the playoffs the previous three seasons, many fans were left extremely frustrated.