is it easier to have had something and lose it?

With respect to X (something of significant/profound value), is it more challenging to: 

a.) not have had X; to know something of X and its value-- but have no hope to have X

b.) not have had X; to know something of X and its value-- and have hope for X but be routinely disappointed about X

c.) have had X and to have lost it

d.) have had X strongly and now to have a (far) weaker version of it

Does it depend on what X is--e.g., power, freedom, money, sex, quality of life, etc.? 

Discuss.