Results, particularly that atrocious stage, can sometimes hide reality, either for good or for bad.
IMHO, 2021 was the only one that Burgos did a worthy Vuelta. Cabedo was promiment in mountain stages and achieved a respectable GC place. Navarro managed to put in some decent performances in mountain breaks, while Bol was decent as usual. In previous years they couldn't even hold the pace of the breaks in flat stages...
To me, being competitive is much more relevant than getting a gifted win in a 3-rider break. That gift won't be repeated in 10 years, while getting consistent and respectable performances will yield more meaningful brand exposure.