[quote=@Lugubrious]
Presumably, forfeiting shows something about the student as well.  Show's that they're afraid, or unwilling, or so on.  Undoubtedly it would be frowned upon (in the show, Ms. Goodwitch did seem rather displeased by Mercury's forfeit), but it must be an option.  If a student is unwilling to fight, teachers can't very well force them to do so.  Also:

[quote= me]as long as it's evident that you seriously tried you'll receive a full participation grade[/quote]

Forfeiting can and will subtract from the grade.
[/quote]

Would you like me to PM you Jangel13 and my collab? This should give you better context and proper feedback can be given.