Of course the point is to submit. The reason people say position before submission is because if you can't get into the proper position, then how can you even get the submission? What's the point of finishing a triangle if one arm can't be put across your stomach, or if you can't get the right angle? What's the point of finishing an armbar if your legs aren't in position or the arm is too low on your hip?
Submissions are the easy part. The hard part is control, and position, which should be your main focus. Much like every boxer knows the basics: the uppercut, the jab, the hook, not every boxer is good. What enables a boxer to beat opponents is not that he/she knows these basics, but knows when to throw them, what combos... the timing, etc.
In jiu jitsu its the same. Everyone by the time they are a 3 stripe white belt should know how to do submissions. Triangles, armbars, omoplatas, chokes. Tell me why then does these 3 stripe whitebelts and everyone else not submit everyone at will? Its because just knowing the submission is not enough. One needs control AND position... timing...
The TS, he bailed on his position because he couldn't finish the armbar but he still had dominant position whether side control or mount. I don't know about you, but side control/mount for me offers a myriad of attacks that I feel are even more high percentage than a poorly applied armbar.
Don't get it twisted, when people say position/control over submission, its not because you want points or are not hunting for the submission. In fact its the opposite. You get the control AND the position, and the submission will fall into place, the heavens will shine its light on you, and the angels will sing. :icon_chee