Chad,
We prefer mobility, without sacrificing position. The advantage in "scrambling" is constant pressure and your opponent doesn't get a chance to set anything up. The disadvantage is your opponent can set you up by allowing you to run into something. One example would be bottom position in a north/south, top guy starts to scramble to cross body as he goes around both players have an opportunity for an arm bar, the guy that sinks it first wins. If you play the game of constant movement make sure your not letting him set you up. So.., we focus on "scrambling" while staying tight and moving from position to position.
Of course, a quick submission is always welcome.
We look to escape if we are in bottom position, particularly if concerned about "street" applications.
The Ground Game is part of the "street" game, the biggest downfall is guy's get tunnel vision in a fight and forget about the opponent's friends.
I recently used elements of my Ground Game in a street situation. Long story short, I was in a knee-on-chest position, I spun around his head, caught his arm and sunk in an Americana, he became really compliant. This is also a great place to 'cuff from, if anybody from LE is reading. This occurred on the sidewalk outside a 7-11. I did bang up my knee a little and even ripped my pants, but I didn't notice until later when someone pointed this out to me. Adrenaline is a beautiful thing.
I use elements from my Ground and Clinch Game's on a regular basis in "street" situations.
Peace,
Paul Sharp
http://www.championjiujitsu.com