Well, there aren't.
No doubt. But losing close games means progress is being made, vs. being blown out.
That doesn't mean losing is ever acceptable.
It just means winning is getting closer.
That's not a "moral victory". A moral victory is saying, "I lost, but I feel good because the other team was so much better". Not what I am saying at all.....
But if you think losing 49-7 would leave one just as optimisitic or pessimistic about the future as losing 38-35, then I would love to hear why. It's all about looking to the future and where we are going vs. where we have been recently.