[ratdude747]

Originally Posted by Zebra_Fact_Man

The way I understood it, the 4th robot was an alliance specific backup robot. Maybe I misinterpreted this change, but I saw it as a way for alliances to pick the robot that would be the replacement bot (and also allow switch-in matches for more repair flexibility) rather than being auto-assigned one. Hockey players that are scratched from a game do not dress and therefore do not participate in the pre/post game handshake as well. I would relate these two events as similar in nature.

It isn't quite like that from the way I read the game manual. It's just like IRI; you present a lineup to the head ref for each match, which states who is going to play the next match. They aren't a backup robot, they're a 4th member you have as a strategic option. Yes, if one breaks, the 4th becomes the replacement, but that's not the sole purpose. But if you look at the upcoming match and predict that say the 4th member would be better suited than the 3rd, you can make the switch. For example, say the opposing alliance has a weakness to heavy defense and the 4th robot is an excellent defender but the 3rd is more offence oriented... they're just another card in your hand that you can play.

Likewise, during alliance introductions, the 4th alliance member is announced with the other alliance members and they are also is considered a defending champion if the alliance wins, so IMHO, they also should be part of the handshake.