Lance got absolutely smoked the first time he turned up in Europe. As a pro cyclist how would that make you feel, all of a sudden you were nobody despite training your buttocks off.
They really only had two options, get on the gear, or go home. Winner takes all personalities, which pretty much covers all pro athletes, are always going to take option 1. Do you really expect them to say 'oh well, we tried. Everyone else is cheating, lets go home and work a 9-5 instead'.
In Europe the drugs cheats are put on a pedestal, look at Indurain, Pantani, Riis all these guys are celebrated for their achievements. Even in the UK Tommy Simpson is celebrated.
Lance is only disliked so much because he was such a big bully. Lance is right, doping was/is necessary.