Chief Delphi - Rules lapse re: globe modification

When Q&A opens up, I'll get my team's main mentor to ask: is it still legal to modify the attached globe motor transmissions?

Two versions (2008 and 2009) of the associated rule follow. The stressed items indicate text that has been added (in 2009) or deleted (from 2008). Otherwise, the rules are the same.

The 2009 rule:

Quote:

<R53>
So that the maximum power level of every ROBOT is the same, motors and servos used on the ROBOT shall not be modified in any way, except as follows:
A. The mounting brackets and/or output shaft/interface of the motors may be modified to facilitate the physical connection of the motor to the ROBOT and actuated part.
B. The gearboxes for the Fisher-Price motors are not considered “integral” and may be separated from the motors.
C. The electrical input leads on the motors may be trimmed to length as necessary.
The intent is to allow teams to modify mounting tabs and the like, not to gain a weight reduction by potentially compromising the structural integrity of any motor. The integral mechanical and electrical system of the motor is not to be modified. Note that FIRST will not provide replacements for modified parts.

The 2008 rule:

Quote:

<R61>
So that the maximum power level of every ROBOT is the same, motors used on the ROBOT shall not be modified in any way, except as follows:
- The mounting brackets and/or output shaft/interface of the motors may be modified to facilitate the physical connection of the motor to the ROBOT and actuated part.
- The gearboxes for the Fisher-Price and Globe motors are not considered “integral” and may be separated from the motors.
- The electrical input leads on the motors may be trimmed to length as necessary.
The intent is to allow teams to modify mounting tabs and the like, not to gain a weight reduction by potentially compromising the structural integrity of any motor. The integral mechanical and electrical system of the motor is not to be modified. Note that FIRST will not provide replacements for modified parts.