But that only makes sense if not competing would have any impact on our ability to compete in the future. If we'd been humiliated repeatedly by top opposition I might understand your position ( although I'd still strongly disagree), but we've very rarely looked out of our depth. And even when we have (1st half Clermont) we've turned it around and finished the stronger team. I can buy this argument (although again I disagree) when it's champions Vs challenge cup, but missing out on the playoffs doesn't give us a chance elsewhere.
Do you think Watford fans and players would have preferred to have lost in the semis?
I don't think a pumping in a semi final does moral any good to finish off a season, despite being in the semis. I don't think football's a particularly good analogy but I'd prefer the guys had an extra 2 weeks of holiday.