"So it's acceptable then to look out for #1 in college, but not before in HS or travel. Then OK, that makes sense. I get it, clock's ticking and time to move on to greener fields. No sarcasm here, honestly, that makes sense."
I believe this is true for high school, but not sure one is expected to "take one for the team" in travel ball. I think the mantra is play for the best team that will give you lots of PT - and that you can afford (that last part I added).