I have to chuckle at some of the expectations that a few people posting in this thread have for FRC teams, their leaders and their members.
It is important, I think, to remember that being part of an FRC team is just one part of the life of an engaged, enthusiastic human being. FRC team members, mentors and teachers do more than just FRC.
We hike, bike, sing, dance, play sports, travel, read... and should be proud of that. Our lives don't have to revolve around FIRST. (Well, not for the entire year at least.
)
I would tell my students that I expected a small part of their extra-curricular attention for part of the year, and a very large part of their efforts for a few months of the year. Outside of the December-March "Robot Season" I expected them to bring the same professionalism, committment and dedication to their other activities that I expected from them for FRC activities, and that meant giving them the time to do those activities properly..... and I used the time to enjoy my other, non-FRC activities, too.
So I think it is perfectly acceptable to respond to the question of "Why didn't more team's do Dean's homework?" with the simple response that they had something better to do. Diversity is good. There is no need to apologize for it.
Life > FRC
Jason