I know Im late to this, but what you guys are talking about boils down to Real Robots and Super Robots. Real robots are based on the fact that they are war machines and can be damaged and destroyed. There not the star of the show or a hero of any sort. There just a machine. Gundam, Votoms, Chrome Hound, Steel Battalion, Front Mission.
Then on the other hand you have Super Robots which are basically your run of the mill "cool" super hero type robot. Voltron, GaoGaiGar, Daigaurd, Mazinger Z, Getter Robo. There the reason why you read or watch that show/manga. The robot usually never gets blown up or destroyed and only comes back stronger and usually has some sort of power move or finisher type signature move.
Just happen to be cruising the boards and noticed this thread. I too know alot about mecha.