I'm not sure it
should come back, considering the model FIRST seems to be trying to follow.
This year's end of match cycles and last second truss shots arguably brought more people to the edge of their seat than the pyramids did last year. The lack of an endgame also allows spectators to focus on core gameplay, which this year has proven, can be extremely exciting in itself when done well. Having more match time dedicated to core gameplay was also really nice.
I'm admittedly biased towards this match, but the ending there was more exciting than any endgame in my competition years. (The roar from the crowd was INSANE.)
http://youtu.be/THMerdGMBxQ?t=2m21s
In addition, no endgame means less mechanisms. (At least in the case of an active endgame as mentioned above). Fewer mechanisms allow teams to focus on designing the core game play, hopefully resulting in better robots on average. (not always going to happen, I know...) While some will argue that removing complexity from the games simplifies designs, I think this year is proof enough that we will always see ingenious solutions to tasks that seemingly look simple at first.
__________________
"Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success."- Henry Ford
FRC Team 668: The Apes of Wrath
Pioneer High School, San Jose CA
http://www.theapesofwrath.org
Talking to other FIRSTers is great. Add me on Facebook!
My Page