When people vehemently and produly announce that "Gerrard will be Anfield 4 life!", is it more hope than fact?

Of course it's hope, with a strong helping of faith. But no footballer, manager, coach, is committed - at the end of the day it's just a job, and the club is their employer. No-one can see into the future and foretell when or if they change the company they work for.