Unusual number of teams declining
 

is it just me or are there many more teams than usual decling in alliance selection? and is this becuase of the ranking system or because of something else?

Re: Unusual number of teams declining
 

I think this is pretty simple....the seeding system is leaving more low-capability teams in top seeded positions than normal, and chosen teams are being forced to decline in hopes of doing better.

Re: Unusual number of teams declining
 

Not surprising at all.
Alot of teams that are either unknown or as seen as undeserving are suddenly finding themselves in the top eight and teams don't want to work with them.
I mean when you got a team that's not showing up for matches making the top eight you know you got a bankrupt system.

Re: Unusual number of teams declining
 

Really? Which regionals? No one declined at DC when I went...

Re: Unusual number of teams declining
 

No one declined in KC either.

Re: Unusual number of teams declining
 

From what I know, there was none at Kettering.. Correct me if I'm wrong...

Re: Unusual number of teams declining
 

I think this is a year where a low seed is a benefit, due to the roles alliance partners need to fill. Also, being picked by a robot with the same strengths and weaknesses as you is not a good idea!

I didn't think there were more declines than normal. If anything, that means inter top 8 picking is more common and thus the top 8 is more accurate!

Re: Unusual number of teams declining
 

We had a decline at FLR.

Re: Unusual number of teams declining
 

I can verify that there were no declines at Kettering.

Re: Unusual number of teams declining
 

In my opinion the serpentine draft encourages declines. Lower seeded teams have the advantage of an earlier pick for the 3rd machine. I think we've declined a pick sitting at #7 or #8 seed from the #1 seed mostly to get a better 3rd machine. It worked too, we won that regional (Great Lakes '08).

Re: Unusual number of teams declining
 

yes, there was indeed a decline at FLR

Re: Unusual number of teams declining
 

No decline at BAE. Most of that was due to 6 captains picking outside the top 8.

Re: Unusual number of teams declining
 

I saw two declines at NJ. Live webcast.

Re: Unusual number of teams declining
 

I think a large reason we don't see as many declines this year is because of the seeding system.

Many rookie teams end up in the top 8, leaving a large majority of the veteran teams with more experience in the bottom, meaning they can't decline. (Well, they could, but then they can't play at all)

Re: Unusual number of teams declining
 

It may have something to do with the seeding system, but honestly I think it has at least as much to do with strategy. Different teams have different ideas about the best combination of robot types, and the higher seeded alliance who invites them may not fit into their game plan.