[robodude03]

Ok I am going to jump in on this and state that I neither disagree or agree with what JVN has posted. Points have been made that support both sides. As mentioned by others, this has happened in the past couple of years. Making adjustments to the robot between competitions is within the rules, but at the same time what are students gaining? However, lets think of the real world for just a moment.

Aren't patents being infringed upon every day? Whether or not it is right, this is what is happening in the world. "Companies" are making money "copying" the successes of others. Companies fiercely defend their products, but does that stop the copying? I don't believe it does. This is the type of competition that many companies are facing today and it is a fact that many have to deal with. Obviously our rules don't apply abroad and it is much tougher to deal with. How do the "origin" companies survive? They continue to stay ahead of the curve with their innovative designs. The results? Other companies follow their lead and build upon the design, or at least try to.

Do FIRST teams go back to a method of secrecy? I don't believe that is in the best interest of all teams, but at the same time "copying" continues to go on. I am in the same place as JVN, I don't know how I feel about the copying, but I believe this is a reality that many of us need to face. Copying has and is happening in FRC and I believe that each team will react to it differently.

Obviously we want all teams to succeed, but to what extent do we balance reality with the educational opportunities students gain from this program? Unfortunately I don't have the answer, but I hope as a community we will be able to come to an understanding.