Equivocal meaning of "Have a backlog of (something)"

Isn't there an equivocal sense to saying "I have a backlog of (something)"?

I have a backlog of work and would be unable to help you out on that.

I have a few outfits that I haven't shot yet -- have to keep up or there will be an unwanted backlog of outfits since September.source

I have a backlog of fruits that have been sitting in the bottom of the fridge for a couple of weeks now -- have to eat them now or else they are going to spoil!

My main reason for making yogurt this week, though, was that I had a growing backlog of milk in the fridge.source

My main reason for eating a stick of butter every day, though, was that I had a backlog of these sitting in the bottom of the freezer.

vs.

I have a backlog of work which will keep myself, my designer and my technician busy all through the fall.

I have an unexpected backlog of cash which should keep my family and myself safe from necessity in these times of hardship.

Some states have an unexpected backlog of money which will enable them to award new grantssource

Some colleges and universities have an unexpected backlog of money which will enable them to catch up on the longstanding housing shortage.

I have an unexpected backlog of cash this year. I'm going to buy a Porsche!

Please also consider these links:

• http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/british/backlog

• https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/backlog

• http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backlog

• http://www.thefreedictionary.com/backlog

Solution 1:

The meaning of "have a backlog" in both cases is exactly the same: "have a backlog". The bad news vs. good news difference comes from the words thankfully and unfortunately.

This works for any and all expressions, not just this one.

• Unfortunately, it's raining cats and dogs.
  Thankfully, it's raining cats and dogs.

• Unfortunately, I own a big house.
  Thankfully, I own a big house.

• Unfortunately, I am getting older.
  Thankfully, I am getting older.

• Unfortunately, I am unemployed.
  Thankfully, I am unemployed.

• Unfortunately, I am a mass murderer.
  Thankfully, I am a mass murderer.

Solution 2:

Based upon our conversation in comments:

Backlog conveys a sense of unfinished tasks that need to be completed. As Reg states below, it does carry a mildly negative connotation that can be modified situationally. I won't reiterate his excellent answer here.

If you are speaking of unused items or goods, you would use the term surplus.

Surplus means an amount or quantity greater than needed. Definition link here.

If you want to convey a sense that this is a negative, you would say: unwanted surplus.

If you'll excuse me, I have a backlog of unfinished reports to get to.

vs.

I have an unwanted surplus of goat cheese. It is going to rot before I can sell it!
or
I have an unexpected surplus of cash this year, I'm going to buy a Ferrari!

I think this fits the meaning you are looking for far better than backlog.