Here's an example to clearly illustrate to you why it is best to err on the side of a clean miss than a poor hit. It also illustrates why anyone who is in to rifle shooting at long range should attend any type of organized match they can and do so on a regular basis.
Correct me if I'm wrong but didn't you first pass up a short shot because it was anticlimactic? Given the opportunity, would you pass up a much more makeable shot in a match in order for the challenge of a longer shot?