Is there a better style of loss?

Well, it wasn't the best sports days for me that's for sure.  I had been forced to watch my Redskins lose after storming out to an insane lead, and then my Fighting Irish get blown out in their third straight BCS appearance.  But that raised the questions for me.  What's worse?  When you think you can win, but then are struck in the gut when your team collapses late?  Or, when you know after one minute that you have no chance?

Late Collapse:
Positives: At least at one point, you had something to cheer about.  In an important game, your team came through and gave you hope.  You proved you belonged on that stage.  The trip to the bar/price of the tickets was worth it. 

Negatives: Hope is cruel when it is turned against you.  When you have high expectations, its even worse when they come crumbling down.  Stunned silence at the end. 

Never In It:
Positives: You get over the loss quickly because you never had a chance to get into the game.  Can approach rest of game with moral victory framework.

Negatives: Everyone makes fun of you and tells you your team doesn't belong.  You never get to cheer.  You see how far your team really has to go until its competitive.

Now, after have experienced both, I know for me personally, I would rather be able to get into the game for at least awhile before having my heart broken.  At least that way the game is entertaining and I have something to argue about the next day when I see my friends.  Unlike what happened to ND, where after the first minute of the game I literally had no excitement.  Going to the championship happens almost never, and yet as a fan I didn't have one moment in the game where I thought that my team could be national champions.  Instead, I was forced to watch a multi-hour coronation and hear how ND just didn't show up.  How am I supposed to feel ok about next year?  Even if we go undefeated will we get a chance?  Or will the voters be scared of a repeat performance and not let the Irish back in the game?  And honestly, can I really blame them if they do hold the Irish accountable next year for this years performance? 

As a fan, its always better to have hope.  No hope, means no belief, means no reason to watch the game.