[EricH]

Originally Posted by inkling16

I actually think that a 1-8, 1-8 selection would help to discourage scorched earth. 1-8, 1-8 helps captains 1-3, has no effect on captains 4-5, and hurts captains 6-8 when compared against the serpentine draft.

Speaking as someone whose team won a World Championship (from #2) during the last year 1-8, 1-8 was used, there is a definite downside. And that is this:

Blowout city. Think about it. 1st seed gets 1st and 9th picks; 2nd gets #2 and #10 picks; 8th seed gets what's left at the #8 and #16 pick slots, which can get pretty thin at smaller events, particularly the #16 pick (and the third robot can make or break an alliance). When divisional QFs set the world high score, and it's not close even with each alliance having its own set of game pieces...

Now, I don't know about you, but I don't necessarily like a blowout. I'd rather have both sides be able to get the win, just one plays a bit better and wins, like the Einstein semis/finals that year. With the serpentine, it's any alliance's game to win, at least in theory. With "straight", it's just a bit easier for the higher alliance to win.