94,
So you "wanted to win" your east/west match as much as you want to win slap-jack against your 8 year old? Could that have anything to do with why you lost? The hospital gown would mean that you may not have a clear mind when you said the coaches don't care if they win. Let me assure you, they want to win. I also don't know where you got the "stacking the deck" analogy. Coaches prepare their line-up to give them the best opportunity to excel.
Addressing "the grand scheme of things"... Let's all be in agreement that this dual tonight has no eternal value. It's the year long grin that's the payoff!
