Using the broadest-possible definition, were the Pilgrims who arrived on the American continent (1620), "Cowards"?

They were indeed Running Away from the oppressive British Empire of that time period (and they were right, for doing so), but because they refused to stay and fight for their ideals, “isms” and principles, or to at least try to engineer some kind of peaceful protest that may have resulted in positive changes, weren’t they just retreating, and demonstrating that they had no “backbone” to stand up for that in which they believed, on their own home turf?

Aren’t those who run away from their problems, exhibiting cowardice?

The question isn’t intended to denigrate anyone’s religious beliefs, so please don’t interpret it as such. I am merely asking a question related to a true historical event, and how some might view that event.

September 5, 2008, 1:24 PM EDT