[XaulZan11]

As someone who would likely never attend the live kick-off, I'm in favor of this decision. If I'm just going to watch it on a screen some where, I'd prefer a more polished production. I'm sure it saves a significant amount of stress and pressure associated with putting together a live show. I think these two things are worth the lack of watching the show live, in-person for the 1% of FIRSTers.