It didn't hurt Wigan either when they went all the way and won it. Oh....
Actually CB I'm on your side, I'm also in the camp that wanted a good go at the cup. But RK fielded the strongest team possible, we didn't play well, Palace did, and as they say shit happens. I was much more pissed off last year against Sunderland.
Even though I wanted us to win, having fewer matches does increase our top 4 chances (Big Vic and Long getting injured is one example why extra cup matches can hurt you. Not to mention the extra yellow cards, and fatigue).