So now a question: what about those people who resign at the first sign of trouble, such as a lost piece or a really bad position? Should they play on for a while rather than resigning immediately?
I will only play on ...if... the opponent is rated much less than myself. My chess coach, once told me, when playing in a tournament, save your energy for the next game!
Some people do that. I was in a tourny in a game where I going to win unless I made a big blunder. My opponent dragged out his moves. Even got a bit rude. The thing that got me, I'm a free member. I can only play 1 tourny at a time. His was the only game left, and it took a week too long. I guess I'll just try not to do that to anyone. BUT if I think I have a shot, I'm in til the end.