***FFXIII SPOILERS***
They tried to, even if they unwittingly did what Barthandelus wanted them to do a lot of the time.
And in the end, Barthandelus didn't get his way (Cocoon survived and the creator wasn't called back) and they escaped the awful fate of a l'Cie.
So I'd say they did.
***END SPOILERS***
--
"So cold. I am always by your side."
"There ain't no gettin' off of this train we on!"