The excuses offer testimony to the fact that the problem wasn't really un-expected. The list goes on and on. Without trying to delve into the specific reasons pilots allow such situations to develop, there is a solution that would have helped in most cases. If the fuel gauges seem to be indicating greater usage than was anticipated, the conservative response is to land at the first practical opportunity and examine the situation. Drain the tanks until there is no water left, even if it means draining all the fuel out of the tanks.
Fuel is cheaper compared with an off-airport landing.
In one instance, investigators on the scene of a fuel starvation accident determined there were six gallons of water in the plane's fuel tanks. In another, a pilot took off with known water in the tanks. The subsequent accident investigation revealed the liquid in the engine fuel system was 100 percent water. If there is a known mechanical problem, don't assume the manufacturer has built in tolerances that allow the engine to continue operating. Get it fixed.