Quote:
Originally Posted by DampRobot
And this is a good thing because? We usually build robots that are only a little bit above average, and I'd much rather see the best robots win than the average robots beat those that are fundamentally better. If they could, why would we bother trying to built the best bot we can?
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Generally, powerhouse teams build the best robots every year. There are always exceptions of course, but I can tell you, atleast in Michigan, that 33, 67, 469, and the like will always build some of the best robots in the state. They generally win their districts and win states as well.
I for one would rather see an alliance of "average" robots beat an alliance of powerhouse teams. If the best robots won every event simply because they are built the best, then why do we have a competition? Why don't we just say "33, 67, and 469 built the best robots in Michigan this year, they win all the competitions there's no need to actually compete."
Upsets are some of the most exciting things in anything. Period. It doesn't matter whether its a video game, a professional sport, or an FRC competition. When the 4th alliance pulls out an excellent strategy and manages to defeat the double powerhouse teamed 1st alliance, everyone it up on their feet cheering.
If the best robots should win every year, what do you tell to a rookie team that built a defensive bot because that is only thing they have the knowledge to do? "I'm sorry, but there's absolutely no way for you to win the competition because there are better robots here so don't even bother trying."
So why should you even bother trying to build the best robot possible? Because it gives you the best chance to win a competition. It gives you the best chance to seed higher. And it gives your students something to be proud of. Because it's
INSPIRING.
FRC isn't a beauty contest. It's a competition. You get awards for building the best mechanically sound robot. That's why we have judges and awards, to showcase the teams that build the best designed robots. The competition part is a culmination of good robots, strategy, and skill. The Winning alliance is the alliance that has the best combination of the 3, not just the first part.