[Tom I]

So getting back to the OP, let's actually imagine these three robots actually coming to fruition and 3 teams out there actually fitting the predictions very closely. I think we'd all agree if they were on the same alliance, I sure as heck wouldn't wanna face them!! But how do you think they'd fair in the competition alone?

With bot 1, honestly I think that's what we're going to see the most of. A reliable close range shooter seems like a flexible design that can play the game very well. I think it'll have no problems playing alone or with any combination of other robots.
Bot 2 would definitely be impressive, but I feel as if defending teams could potentially learn it's weaknesses early in the competition and exploit them from then on out (for example, starve their ball supply somehow?). If that were to happen, the effectiveness of the design would go down as the competition progressed.
Bot 3 is definitely an interesting option, as it is a potentially "easy" concept for a new team to pursue and still be a very valuable alliance partner and competitor. I feel as if, however, unless they have a set alliance with a bot 1 and bot 2 going into a competition, I doubt they'd want to hide their ability. They'd probably want to show it off well and early to gain notoriety and increase their chances of being pick for an alliance, if they're not high seeded to begin with.

If you can't tell, I love this kind of theory-robotics! Of course, I also love the real world magic that teams make happen, and I can't wait for week 1 at GSR to see the designs that do get built. Good luck to all!