ok, I do understand circuit theory and how batteries work, I was trying to dumb it down.
The parts used in the cortex can withstand 8A continuous current (roughly twice motor stall current) and something like 48A pulsed current. They also withstand several times the normal operating voltage of the battery. Yes, there will be high emf spikes, lots of information about that here on vex forum, one such thread (with links to others)
However, I think every time I’ve seen these components damaged in either the cortex or the MC29 (same parts) it has been traced to a damaged motor, that is. motor or wires shorted somehow.