I agree that the final score is usually the least useful part, but I would not make it a choice between that score and joint-practice communication. A preseason game also gives linemen snaps inside an actual game sequence, and that context can matter even when the result does not. If the practice periods are more controlled, I’d want to compare both sets of reps before judging a combination.
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I think you’re right not to make practice and game snaps an either-or choice. The Bucs’ camp guide says joint-practice competition includes both one-on-one periods and 11-on-11 work: https://www.buccaneers.com/news/5-things-to-know-about-bucs-training-camp-2026. One-on-ones give narrow technique evidence, while 11-on-11 puts communication and assignments under more useful pressure. A preseason game then adds actual sequence and context, so none of those settings is universally the best one.