[Racer26]

Also, so far? the GDC has given us one game EVER that actually needed machine vision for an optimal Auto mode: 2007.

And even then, lots of teams had successful deadreckoned keeper autos.

Any time the target doesn't move after you've placed your bot, AND you can start your robot where you want, dead reckoning will work. If no interaction between red/blue robots is allowed, dead reckoning can't be defended.

2003 was the start of auto. You needed to be first to the top of that ramp.
2004 the target didn't move, but auto could be defended by cross field ramming.
2005 i didn't compete, and my memory is fuzzy, but was the first year we had the CMUcams. it was awful, as the targets were passive, and the arena lighting varied wildly.
2006, they switched to the green cold cathode boxes, which were much more reliable to detect, but the target didnt move, so no need to use them
2007, the rack moved after robots were placed, but typically didn't move a whole lot.
2008, the IR remote could be used to tell your robot where the balls were. most teams just dead reckoned.
2009, trying to dump in auto usually meant you got your own trailer beat up on by an HP
2010-2013 no game pieces, robots, or targets are moved before auto, AND red/blue interaction during auto is against the rules.