[Michael Blake]

Originally Posted by Karthik

Some immediate observations:
- Only one wild card spot was created prior to week 4
- Wild card spots went to non alliance captains 6/20 times, with a 2nd pick earning one just once.
- The 111 situation is a bit odd, since they're a pre-qualified Hall of Fame team, yet they can still generate a wild card spot by being a wild card, even though they don't need a wild card. It works based on what we know of the rules, but it's definitely counter-intuitive

Hey Karthik! ;-)

Since I'm STILL relatively new and trying to decipher the-lay-of-the-land I could use some help... is it your conclusion that the 2013 eligibility criteria will INCREASE the overall competitiveness (on the field) at CMP by displacing the teams who have in the past used the wait-list to garner a spot?


Also, could you weigh-in on the District Model as if it was deployed several years from now and is the _dominate_ format nationwide... as to whether the overall competitiveness (on the field) at CHAMPIONSHIP would be HIGHER compared to the 2013 Regional rules that feed teams to CMP?


I can't get anybody who's defended/promoted the District Model here to overlay it on Texas and weigh-in on my question... so, I'm giving up on that discussion...


I guess what I'm concerned about, with the District Model, is LOSING the _height_ of the mountain that a non-current powerhouse team has to climb here in Texas to be Regional-WINNERS.

We have 4-5 elite/powerhouse teams that have dominated the Texas Regionals (field performance) for 4-5 years and I am JAZZED by the _enormity_ of the challenge to problem-solve our way to ONE or TWO WINS where we're up against/with these exemplar Texas teams... I DO NOT want it to be easier to qualify for CHAMPIONSHIP, I want that bar to be HIGH... and I want the Bronc Botz to _strive_ for the reward of a CMP slot year-after-year...

I just think that attitude/approach makes for a better team AND a better environment to expose teens to in order to help shape/prepare them for the _real world_. PLUS, it puts trophies in the case _and_ BLUE BANNERS on the wall... ;-)

REAL WORLD = TOP PERFORMANCE... otherwise, get used to Ramen Noodles dinner or living in your childhood bedroom.