I agree that after this year FIRST needs to revamp the Nationals dramatically. It might turn out, if there isn't a big Disney trip reward involved, that going to a regional might be as good as the Nationals and maybe all the regionals will become high quality events.
I would be in favor of a regional qualification process for the Nationals, just like sports teams do. The logistics of suddenly qualifying and then travelling is a problem however and perhaps FIRST should act more as a central booking agent for the winning teams in such a case. AKA- when you register for a regional a portion of all the registrations pays for the winners to attend the Nationals. A set of prepaid slots would be booked in advance and filled as the regionals are played out. Obviously some small number (say 10/team) would be what is paid for. Any additional would come from the team's efforts. This would always assure that the highest quality teams would have the experience of playing for the title. How many winners last year couldn't go because the money wasn't there when the last minute opportunity came up?
With the game as it is this year and with top two alliances going we are talking over 120 teams already. Add in award winners and you have a full field.
I know it is unpopular, but I disagree with Chairman's Award winners being permanently qualified for the Nationals. The honor should be award enough. My opinion. One year's achievements do not necessarily mean the products of future years are of equally high quality. This is a COMPETITION isn't it?
My few cents.
WC
