Let's put the reported pax reaction into perspective!
Most of us here are either seasoned aviators or seasoned travellers, and have probably experiened an emergency descent. We know what happens and what to expect. The casual passenger has no idea, especially if there isn't any warning. So, if one is sitting in 65k in relative serenity when all hell apparently breaks loose with masks appearing and the aircraft dropping like a proverbial brick with attendant noise and shudder, why in hell wouldn't he or she be terrified?