[MrJohnston]

I do think the rules are a bit confusing on this, but recognize that modifications during competition are part of the game.... We also have a long-range shooter and during qualifications, single-handedly put up over 100 points. Of course, Saturday morning came around and everybody and his brother were building blocking devices.

Frankly, not allowing them to do so would have taken the fun out of it all - otherwise we would have sat at the feeding station all competition, firing away. Instead, other teams found themselves in an inferiior situation and worked feverishly to remedy it. (Talk about a learning experience!) Moreover, we had anticipated this and had a drive train strong enough to push them back, etc. In our last match (yes, we were eliminated), we put up 40ish points on our own against a determined defender. It was quite sporting.

Of course, we have come up with some new ideas since losing and look forward to displaying them at Seattle this weekend!