Question about Assault Co-Op mode

[Phaedryn]

If you are defending you cannot lose a cap, correct?  I ask because I noticed there is still a 20 minute timer in that mode, but you accrue points for having the cap meaning you will hit 1000 points long before 20 minutes are up, or lose the mission if you fail to defend.  In either case, the timer is irrelevant is it not?  Or am I missing something here?

[SergeantHop]

If you are defending you cannot lose a cap, correct?  I ask because I noticed there is still a 20 minute timer in that mode, but you accrue points for having the cap meaning you will hit 1000 points long before 20 minutes are up, or lose the mission if you fail to defend.  In either case, the timer is irrelevant is it not?  Or am I missing something here?

 

I've only seen it from the attacking side, but in that instance, the cap only ticks up one point every three seconds, I believe. Obviously, you're going to get points from killing, but it'll never get to the 1000 points on its own in 20 minutes. It does seem, though, that the only way to really lose is to have everyone die. There are so many hostiles to kill and so few friendlies that, even when attacking, you always have the points advantage.