Madamez, I don't agree
nobody is going to have the kind of life where they can ALWAYS cuddle their child for hours - everyone, from babyhood, learns that sometimes their needs have to be put on hold if the other person is temporarily busy
however I think that showing your child that you take their needs seriously and treat them as a priority where possible, is important. I think it is important
a) for their own self-esteem
b) for the good relationship of trust that you want there to be between you
c) for developing empathy for others
d) for teaching them that looking after their own needs is IMPORTANT - loads of fucked up people around who have no idea about looking after themselves emotionally and attempt to do so through drink, food, sex, etc instead
e) for allowing expression of emotions, especially in boys - not that we have to suppress all negative feelings including physical pain and emotional hurt
I think the example you give, of a drama queen, shows a flawed understanding of human nature. I think the kind of person you describe very clearly has huge UNMET needs which they are carrying into adult life. I don't think that a person who has been taught that empathy and caring is available when they need it, from people who love them, behaves in that needy and desperate way.