[pfreivald]

I love the notion that every team that otherwise struggles has a leg-up on creating something that can contribute positively to the game. Having had years where we could do nothing but play defense, I can state without equivocation that it is more inspiring to have a robot that can truly play the game--for kids, mentors, sponsors, guests, everyone.

But we're also going to see a lot of Ri3D-clone robots *fail* during competition, because they were flawed in implementation/modification. Cloning Ri3D robots is easy for engineers--it's a non-trivial exercise for your average group of high school students and non-engineer mentors.

Furthermore, the Ri3D robots are limited. The motor-driven catapults have a comparatively short range, the choo-choo allows for only a single shot, and el toro intakes don't spit the ball out well. Unless modified in less-than-obvious-to-those-non-engineer ways, these mechanisms will not make a robot stand out when playing Aerial Assist.

I'm looking forward to a higher floor and the usual incredibly high ceiling this year.