[mrnoble]

If it's true (and I'm sure it is) that some teams have in the past brought a bunch of (even a trailer full of) spare parts with the sole purpose of supporting teams in need, then I feel for them and hope that at some point there is a q&a that addresses their plight. It is unfortunate that GDC was put in this position. The rule was intended to prevent teams from having free and full access to whatever spare mechanisms they might find themselves in need of as they move through competition, which is an advantage that most teams cannot have, and which isn't an advantage based on strategy, good design, or forethought (other than "bring extras of everything"). When individuals that represent teams made their opinion known (here) that the rule might not apply outside the physical space of the venue etc., it became imperative for the GDC to respond and clarify that the apparent meaning of the rule was its actual meaning. The GDC appears to have weighed the worst outcomes of both scenarios (allowed or disallowed), and determined that it would be more damaging to FRC to have teams cheating and winning than to have teams inconvenienced or required to make spare parts in the pit, or be unable to offer some kinds of assistance to other teams in need.