You are right, he's pretty pitiful. My X was like that. The phone would ring late at night, and it would be him. Loaded and full of pity - yet blaming me for his situation. I finally concluded it was not just the alcohol, he was emotionally weak. No inner strength, which of course gave the alcohol free-reign.
Good for you for staying the course. Next time, don't answer the phone. It's the only way.