[mrnoble]

I have the privilege of coaching/mentoring two teams from different schools, one much younger and less experienced (and less supported) than the other.

The more mature team was able to come up with many possible designs through brainstorming (which is mostly a shared pot of knowledge based on experience), then did research and evaluated designs from previous years, as well as the Ri3D/Blitz designs, once they were available. The design they eventually settled on (after multiple prototypes and proofs) was not one shown in any of the builds, though it was inspired by other teams as well as past successes. They have appreciated the Ri3D/Blitz input, but didn't end up implementing much from those robots.

The younger team has struggled with research, prototyping, designing, you name it. Having struggled through the learning experience, they finally realized that some of the mechanisms and ideas they saw in the videos were beyond their capability, but that others were things they understood and had done in a different context with success. They are "copying" one or two elements of a couple of the Ri3D/Blitz bots, as best they can, based on what they know how to do. They are pushing themselves and are finding joy in the learning process. For them, making a kit base and changing one or two elements is in itself a challenge, and having ideas presented in ways that they can understand has been the very definition of "inspiring".

I am in agreement with those who look at Ri3D/Blitz as an evolution of the FRC experience. This organization and idea has been around for more than 20 years, and has gone through huge changes. The games are more streamlined and subtle, and are more friendly to spectators. The COTS and kit parts are way better than they used to be. The drive bases have been iterated to near-perfection. And now, even rookie teams don't have to come away proud of their duct-taped drive base that barely moves; most of the teams that would have had that experience in the past now can put their efforts (still Herculean) into a robot that can drive and compete. That is progress.

Addressing a concern of the original poster: the BOM for team Boom: Done helped my younger team as they worked to figure out torque/speed ratios today. That in itself made me appreciate them even more, and I support the sharing of anything they are willing and able to share.