[JesseK]

WCD requires only 4 pieces of very rigid aluminum tubing for its frame -- which is the key to its success. So long as bumper rules are complied with, it's still the simplest most versatile drive train frame for teams who have these capabilities:

1.) Welder who can keep things square
2.) Low tolerance, low slop drilling capability
3.) Some sort of milling capability is probably needed regardless of variant
4.) It doesn't hurt to be able to do your own gearboxes so you can customize the gearing while also driving chains to each end.
5.) It probably also doesn't hurt to be able to make custom wheels of any diameter/hub configuration

With WCD, I would have to figure out gearbox configurations for the wheel size such that the gearbox doesn't bottom out on the field when put into direct drive configuration. For 4" wheels, this is somewhat difficult without doing a custom gearbox (with plates). For 6" wheels, it's a bit better since a large variety of COTS gearboxes exist with decent spacing between the output and bottom of the gearbox.

Sheet metal is only simpler if the mentors in charge are comfortable with it and have th resources for it. It's like apples and oranges, imo.

Adam, show me a team with sloppy drill presses, hand drills, a basic lathe (and 3 tools), and a surplused mill who has done WCD ... then you'll probably be able to convince my other mentors.Until then, they want to do what we know with the drive train and focus learning on other parts of the robot. It's not me you have to convince, heh.