I've heard the same thing about Emergenza, but at least it was still some good experience for you guys. While any stage experience is helpful, I figure Emergenza was particularly good because it gave you the opportunity to play in front of people who aren't familiar with you and probably arent even in to your genre of music. The fact that you impressed so many of these people speaks volumes to how far you guys have come in a very short period of time.
Having the opportunity to play Center Stage would have been great, but not moving on to the next round doesnt change the fact that you guys OWNED Friday night.