1. A method for evaluating failure in an electronic data storage system, the method comprising the following steps: providing a data storage system having multiple storage components operably interconnected to store and retrieve electronic data, individual storage components being capable of failure where a failure of one storage component disrupts operation of the data storage system; detecting a failed storage component; evaluating the failed storage component to derive a degree of failure; assessing importance of the failed storage component to the operation of the data storage system based at least in part on the degree of failure of the failed storage component; and assigning a level of criticality to the failed storage component indicative of the disruption to operation of the data storage system caused by the failed storage component, the level of criticality being selected from a range of levels where higher levels of criticality represent that the failed storage component causes significant disruption to the operation of the data storage system and lower levels of criticality represent that the failed storage component does not cause significant disruption to the operation of the data storage system.