Quote:
Originally Posted by Pault
I don't think this is really even a question, IRI will be way more competitive without any doubt. We will probably see very few scores under 175.
The question would be better if you left IRI out of the mix and just asked MSC vs. Championships. I personally think that we will be seeing a more competitive championships, but it is definitely arguable that MSC is better.
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I think the difference between the two events (MSC and IRI) comes from the fact that IRI is an off season event. Due to this fact, many teams don't bring their A game, and an 'all star' tournament is never truly realized. An example of the repercussions of an off season tournament are the newly introduced/inexperienced drive teams (eg 67 who uses the event to train new drivers after the previous team graduates) and many other teams who are missing essential mentors or students to vacations or other summer projects. Finally distance and price tag cause some teams to decline invitation.
For other reasons, MSC can not be the most competitive as it is limited to Michigan teams only. Michigan might be the most competitive area for FRC, and MSC the most intense competition of the area, it is not the best representation because of the limited geographic influence.
CMP can be disappointing from time to time, and may not be the most exciting during quals, but I think it is the best representation because of its prestige and the distance teams will travel to play. If there could be more qual matches, or smaller divisions it would be even better.
Overall, the three events have their own merits and fall backs. Perhaps in combination, one day it will be possible to derive the best robot from their performances at all three (regional cmp, cmp, and iri).