On my recent trip away from home, I saw and met so many people who basically are good people, but they do not know the Lord and pretty much live for the material world. If I were in their place, I probably wouldn't have fared better. If they don't get to heaven, then probably most of the world's population won't get there either. I do personally believe that God's mercy is so great that only those who deliberately reject him will not make it. Hence, the existence of purgatory makes perfect sense.
Do understand that I am merely stating a personal belief, not seeking to argue with anyone who might hold a different view.