You've really seen a web software product die because of performance issues?
Web software I don't know but there are many "modern software" that were meant to replace COBOL code running on AS400 that ended up never making it to production because they were running so badly and projects ended up being money pits.
Healthcare.gov was a national scandal due to poor performance related to bad requirements gathering.
Wave waves at you from the grave.
Friendster
Yes, it is hardly ever the web-side of it though.
Web software I don't know but there are many "modern software" that were meant to replace COBOL code running on AS400 that ended up never making it to production because they were running so badly and projects ended up being money pits.