[Jared Russell]

The rules as written are relatively unambiguous (other than perhaps the precise meaning of the word "static").

But I am not sure why functionally identical fabricated replacement parts are no longer allowed in unlimited quantities. Isn't letting each team field a fully functional robot for the entire event more inspirational and important than any of the possible reasons why this rule exists?

Space at the venue? Teams are allowed unlimited raw materials, so this cannot be the reason.

Difficulty of enforcing the "functionally identical" part? There is so much else in FIRST that is already based on the honor system...

Fairness? I argue that a weight limit for spare parts is more unfair. Many teams lack the ability to fabricate a mechanism that is both highly functional and lightweight, limiting their ability to fit spares within the weight limit.

Considering that this is both the most violent game of the bumper era, and extending outside the frame perimeter is essentially necessary to complete many basic game tasks, I hope that FIRST reconsiders this policy.