I believe we have all established the fact that adding in the autonomous mode in the beginning limits the "Reflex" ability in the first 15 seconds (aka having those 15 seconds human controlled would make it easier to react to changing conditions and change strategies on the fly). However, I believe that the autonomous mode is adding another challenge to the competition. The fact is that the mechanical people dislike it because they are no longer in control for those 15 seconds. The programmers of teams like it because they gain control of the robot for those 15 seconds, as well as becomming an essential part of the team, where teams in the past have been able to get away with doing well using the default code. I think that this change is definately for the better in the long run because it is more representative in real life. In the real world, once you create something, chances are that you wont be spending the rest of your life at the controls of that machine. In the case of a robot, then the programming takes over for where the human was previously controlling the robot. The human may not like having to leave the robot on its own, but it is for the better in the end. The truth of the matter is, that in these days and in the coming years, programming is and will be JUST as important as the mechanical side of robotics. FIRST is now adapting to get tomorrows future engineers to realize that. Sure, there is an added degree of separation between the human mind and the robot's actions, but it is nessisary in the end. I strongly believe that the autonomous mode is a great addition to an already great competition where both mechanical and programming skills are required. Yes, rookie teams without decent programmers will struggle a bit more, but so will rookie teams without decent mechanical people. So any way you look at it, rookie teams (or teams lacking in one of these two areas) will be at a disadvantage, but that is a major part of the competition: being able to work wonders with the material and talent that is available to you, which is the same reason why there are so many restrictions on what parts you can and cannot use. In the end it opens up more opportunities for inginuity and creative thought.
This is getting pretty long, (by the length of it it looks like I gave my $0.04 lol), but I felt compelled to share my perspective with other teams. That is what these forums are for is it not? anyways, good luck to all teams, and hope to see you at nationals!
