@cassandra23 I think if you do enough CF, I think yo'll almost find that there's a way to 'game' rowing for cals within a CF metcon. you do CF long enough you can almost figure out how to make your rowing like more lower back dominant vs. more quad dominant, and use that depending on the workout.
also, cals rewards higher stroke rates overall, so if you can almost maintain higher stroke rates, stay loose - this could be better than trying to maintain stiffness and drive hard like 'true rowing' technique would involve.
again, the fact that it's 'rowing' shouldn't blind people to the fact that technique can be very different. this isn't to suggest that good technique isn't important - everything begins with good technique - but you can't assess elite athletes without considering the context of their movements.
it's like doing 75 power snatches @ 75# for time you will use very 'bad' weightlifting technique but it's essential if you want a fast good time. different sports overall.