To answer the questions more specifically,
1. When selecting a winner, the judges should never consider any factors outside of the intent for the award. They are not called the "Invite to EPCOT" awards. They are the Driving Tomorrow's Technology, Quality, Creativity, and Leadership in Controls awards. To give an example from this year, several teams were so outstanding that they won the SAME AWARD TWICE (two separate events).
#47 - Leadership in Control
#65 - Imagery
#111 - Xerox Creativity
These teams should be commended, not penalized for being successful. I don't know what teams were second in line to receive those awards, but I would never consider withholding an award because the team already won at another regional. How would you feel about your award, knowing you only won it because the other team had to turn it down.
2. Everyone has there own definition of Gracious Professionalism. But I can't think of anyone that would feel good about themselves or their team knowing that they threw a match or tanked an interview so another team could win. The "loser" would be the next team on the waiting list that registered for "The EPCOT Invitational" back on September 27th.
3. It was not mentioned in this thread, but from now until FIRST changes the qualification requirements, points (read winning regionals and awards) matter if you want to go to nationals next year. So even if you have a spot this year, you still have to earn one for next year. And just think how much tougher the requirements will be. I have the greatest respect for the teams that earn a spot at nationals because the spots are few and the stress is high.
Off the field, support everyone you can. On the field, support your alliance. Be true to your team.