[EricH]

Originally Posted by nitneylion452

It seems like what you start with is what you have to stay with for the most part. I take this to mean that you can't build an entirely new mechanism.

What was the definition of UPGRADE PARTS again?

UPGRADE PARTS - a COMPONENT or MECHANISM intended to provide additional functionality not currently available on the ROBOT. UPGRADE PARTS may be COTS items or custom FABRICATED ITEMS, and may either add to or replace existing functionality.

(emphasis mine)

If my robot does not have an arm, in any way, shape, or form, I can use my time between ship and events and build one from scratch. It is a FABRICATED ITEM that happens to be functioning as an UPGRADE PART, as it is giving additional functionality not currently available. As such, as long as it is within the 30 lb. Withholding Allowance, and would not cause the robot to violate any other rules, I can bring it in, fully assembled, bolt it onto my drive base, go pass inspection, and possibly win the event, without having shipped an arm from my last event (or my home shop).

Extreme example? Yes. Legal? Yes, unless someone can show me otherwise. Crazy? You know it's crazy to try that.