If the only benefit to not helping is that you don't have to engage with an annoying mechanic, and not helping could potentially cost you the combat, because now you're down a damage dealer and the owlbear is likely to turn its attention to another target, then the mechanic itself is bad and needs some kind of alteration.
I don't think I understand what you're saying. Is this what you mean?
Example:
"I don't like this mechanic."
--then why do you use the mechanic?
"Because it helps me win."
--but you don't want the mechanic in the game?
"Correct."
--what would happen in that fight if the mechanic weren't in the game?
"I would lose the fight."
--so you would rather lose the fight than have the mechanic in the game?
"That's right."
--then why do you use the mechanic?
"Because it helps me win."
