My opinion for what it"s worth.
I was playing for the win at the final table. This was evident when my large stack went all-in against Steve"s large stack AK v 99. Steve won the hand and I was crippled.
At this point however there were 4 left and I was then playing for Bronze. I was well in the red zone but folding given that Noe was still playing for the win at that point. My strategy was correct in that Noe was knocked out and I secured 3rd minimum. At that point I could play for the win again.
The point I"m making is that it is too simple to say "play for the win at all times" it really depends on the circumstances at the time.
As for being a loser? I beat 202 players, WON a bronze medal, WON £1250, made some new friends, had a lot of fun, played good poker and even made it to TV. Nah - that doesn"t make me a loser!