Well this isn't near the level of the SuperBowl but I played in and lost a State Champ in high school. I have nothing to show for it but the occasional replaying what I could have done different to change the outcome. I'm sure some freshmen from the other team who rode the bench and now has a ring doesn't replay what he could have done different to get in the game.
Put me on the ride the bench side. You're still part of the excitement of the whole process and at the end of the day you get the ring. Years later when you're concocting a story to some chick about how you scored the game winning touchdown, she won't figure out you lied until you've already moved on.
This hypothetical doesn't accurately sum up what's really going on in the Kaepernick vs Smith....
In Smith's situation, I'd rather play and lose. Smith had the starting job taken from him in an odd way. It was his job and an unfortunate injury opened the door for Kaepernick. SF then proceeds to take the reigns off of the offense and let's CK make many more plays than Smith even got the chance to make.
In Boobie's situation, I'd rather ride the pine and win.