[mott]

My interpretation of the rule is that ANY part of the robot touching the key protects the robot. Our design this year significantly increases our robot's "footprint" when our appendage is deployed and we count on the protection of the key even when only our appendage is touching the key.

I would also offer that other teams have this same interpretation as I've even seen some teams using the "zip tie trick" to ensure their appendage is actually contacting the key when deployed (via the strategically placed zip tie).

I guess if you want to be certain though, post it to Q&A...I think they are still addressing questions.

Good Luck!