[sometimestommy]

This Thread has absolutely EXPLODED. Its great to see so many people thinking about this.

My two cents.

Speed. Both in terms of muzzle velocity and reload time.
A variable initial velocity is a great idea.
Very important.

Accuracy/Consistency. With wheels you run into the issue of spin (which
can be tweaked to even remove air resistance from the equation). Deformation is also a big problem because that compressed force will make the ball wobble when fired. (Although nominal, i need to look further into this)

Range. Simple enough. Must be consistent and long enough to provide for as many scoring opportunities.

Now. If you can set the launcher to 45 degrees and leave it there it makes the equation for finding the velocity to shoot an optimum parabola. And you can limit the number and size of moving parts with a fixed angle shooter.

(Hint Hint, Programmers this is way easier than solving an equation with both V and theta in it)

Thanks for reading!

Thomas 1939