So that you then could have laughed and cried about a laughable and useless effort to attack ?
That would have looked even more powerless and useless, than the "sprint".
They were dead after giving all, and also demoralized and in pain, when they saw Gilbert following them, and pedalling with total easyness, even up "their" climbs and when leading group, while even nearly dropping them and putting them deep into red zone there.
Seeing Gilbert's pedalling, especially on the hills, and after such a long distance, was one of the most impressive showings of superior strength, that I ever saw. That was somehow like seeing someone walking over water. Not even talking about the "sprint".
What I (we) could actually just enjoy (if you noticed it), was at the same time a strong punch right into the brother's face - because they saw it too.
Gilbert just played with them - like he played with all the others and in other races. It was clear since AGR, and even clearer after FW, that no one can beat this guy - whatever they may try by giving 100%.
And it is somehow strange (but not really) to see many people here blaming the Schlecks for "not attacking" and beeing stupid, when they actually took responsibility, attacked and did their best against a total superior Flip.
While it is also important to mention, that Schlecks have other important races they have to care about and cannot totally focus 100%, peak and plan like Gilbert.
After L-B-L, you can bash and question many, many other favorites - but not the Schlecks who got 2nd 3th, only beaten by TGPG.