I don't think so. They thought the same about Babe Ruth's record because his season HR record occurred in a 154 game season versus the 162 game season that eclipsed it. Yeah, folks complained, whined and wet their pants for a few years. But, Babe does not hold the single season HR record anymore. No big deal, Babe is still one of the most known names in all of baseball and he died over 50 years ago.
And I'm not buying the "they could do it if they wanted to". Ichiro Suzuki was a fantastic baseball player. You would think the ROY award would be enough for a any rookie, but he also added a Gold Glove, Named an All-Star, Batting Champion, Silver Slugger, Stolen Bases Leader, and also led the league with 242 hits. Now, if that was not enough, he was also named MVP just for good measure. His career was stellar. HOF worthy.
Now, if he wanted to he could have been a HR threat. In batting practice he could and did drive the ball at will out of the park. But, that was not his style or game. So, just because he could have won a few HR crowns does not necessarily make him a HR King. Just because he could do it, he does not get the credit in "theory". His choice. I don't know why, but maybe he believed it would affect his batting average in the long run and he was paid to get on base for the boppers behind him. But, regardless, it only counts if you do it regardless of the reason imho.
So others might have done it if it was worth the time, money or effort.
Well, there are whole lot of folks in the World Record Book who never made a dime, just saying
626 is and will be the magic number going forward. Now, when someone wins as many world championships as Willie, then will can talk