We were in the elims in UTC, Long Island, Nationals, and Mayhem. And it's tense sure.. cause you have to sit there while other people play.. knowing there's nothing you can do except pray "drop the ball, drop the bell, mess up, mess up" (Which, may I point out, is not in the 'purpose' of FIRST or this competition).
Basically, I think FIRST really missed the mark this year.. I know they were aiming for a better, more friendly FIRST without rivalries or the competitive edge found in the most average sports. They were aiming golf while I'm a fan of football, that's all. Golf's an acquired taste, that's all. And it's definitely, I think, the most boringest thing to watch. It may be ok to play, but watching.. ick.
Anyway- it's not really exciting when you're playing in the finals.. and the clock turns from 1:01 to 1:00 and your 'competing' alliance realizes they won and you hear the crowd cheer and you know none of its for you. Or when you're trying to negotiate a match and you are told that people don't want to try for big points cause it's too risky. they even threaten to get in your way if you try to balance a goal...
The wrong message came across and it happened in a very boring way, that's all.. and that's what I think.
But one thing I think hit the mark in Mayhem was having all 5 teams have to play. That's a very FIRST-worthy message, even with the auto-pairing.. actually.. ESPECIALLY with the auto-pairing.. because it's not fair that you should do so well to be in the top 8, and then not play because you're too much like the higher seed (i.e. 2 double-goal robots or something). It forces creative thinking and a bit of trying in the strategy field. This years game either you did it or you didn't. There was nothing really to be creative about in playing.
I'm ready for 2v2. I'm ready to turn off the golf and turn on the football. Cause whether you play the game with the grace of a quarterback or the brute force of a lineman, it takes thought behind your game to stop the blitz and the sack. You've gotta find the wholes.. pass the ball... and control your own destiny
all done
