Yep. I cannot think of a single historical instance of a government, let alone an economic system, being abolished by a protest / revolution from below. Governments are toppled by other governments, while protesters /revolutionaries, like hyenas, move in only after the lions did the killing. Only in romantic mythologies a la Star Wars, the Trots, or the militias - a bunch of hicks with sticks and guns can defeat the Evil Empire.
I also think that you are right on the target when you say that what average folk really want is a peaceful life without being harassed by anyone else.
That leads to a logical conclusion that a real political change is possible only through the existing political instituions (such as social democrats in Europe or democratic party in the US for the lack of a better alternative) - with one important exception: at strategic junctures, radical protesters serve as a stick making the social democrats a more attractive partner for the powers that be.
wojtek