Herc, definitely, but not Namond.

I think by providing an example of what could happen when the 'worst' of these kids is given an opportunity, it helped to emphasize the tragedy of the other kids. in time we came to realize namond's situation was hopeless in its own way, and his character was written as far more than just a bad seed. We also learned over time the infinite potential of the other three, and can only imagine how far they could have gone if given half the opportunity Namond had.

I mean most of us would've liked, and probably figured the success story would've been Dukie, but not only would that have been unrealistic, it would feed into a whole "american dream" fantasy that Simon clearly rejects. in that sense it is a "life aint fair" thing but it's part of a larger point.