[Taylor]

Teams trust one driver to drive the robot.
Teams trust one operator to operate the mechanisms.
Teams trust one human player/analyst/payload spec1al1st.
Teams trust one coach to coach the drive team.

Why the controversy over trusting one student representative, who has had 2-3 days to prepare, to make an alliance picking decision?

No cell phones, no computers, no electronics. Using them during selections is selfish and rude. It sends a message of unpreparedness. If I were in that position, would be mortified to be talking on the phone or sending/receiving texts or playing with a computer while an entire regional (and those watching the webcast) awaits my decision.

One piece of paper, on a clipboard, with your top 23 teams in ranked order. And a pen to cross out those already picked. And a smart, capable student representative. That's all you need.