I've had similar experiences in games myself. I would rationalize that a certain suboptimal playstyle was more fun or more suited to me or whatever, then eventually realize I was wrong. I don't think it's always better to play optimally though.
I think in some cases it might not just be rationalization, but rather an actual change in what's optimal between the learning phase and the more experienced phase of playing a game.
Our beliefs aren't just cargo that we carry around. They become part of our personal identity, so much so that we feel hurt if we see someone attacking our beliefs, even if the attacker isn't speaking to us individually. These "beliefs" are not necessarily grand things like moral frameworks and political doctrines, but can also be as inconsequential as an opinion about a song.
This post is for discussing times when you actually changed your mind about something, detaching from the belief that had wrapped itself around you.
Relevant reading: The Importance of Saying "Oops", Making Beliefs Pay Rent