This happen in every sport these days. If it weren't for foreigners, the US wouldn't have Hockey. I think it is kind of sad and dilutes the competition, but it is a fact of the sports world.
I would think it would be easier to take being beaten by your own countrymen than some other country with that country's sailors, if you understand what I am trying to say. NZ team doesn't really have anything to be ashamed of. They have had bad luck, but when things went right they were right there in the race.
I started out picking Alinghi, don't know why for sure. Anyone at that level of expertise has nothing to be ashamed of.
Just wish the wind would cooperate.