The best explanation I’ve heard of this question is as follows:
You’re on a hill. If you stay to defend that hill, you will most probably die. Is this particular hill worth that price?
Not every hill is, but some certainly are.
Sometimes some must die on a hill to motivate others to fight on and eventually win. And, as you say, sometimes it turns out the defenders of the hill may win despite the odds.
But at least determine whether a hill is worthy dying on before committing yourself to such a seemingly hopeless defense.
Allow me to say, I find your posts intellectually high minded, blended with historical analogies, usually saying something outside the common discussion, and with a touch of congeniality. Leftist? Don’t know where someone would get that.