[BBray_T1296]

Originally Posted by Tanis

Now we run into the issue of what constitutes a need to work on the robot. For some teams it is obvious- maybe their robot isn't moving. However, many teams also see other "needs." Maybe my robot is already the best robot at the regional, but I "need" to tweak the shooter arm a little bit to ensure I got from getting 95% of the shots to 100% of the shots. Is this really a need though? Should I skip the opening ceremonies to do this?

Making a subjective judgement like this cannot work, as it is not at all fair. Regardless of comparative performance, why is it acceptable that one robot is virtually forced to run at 95% while other robots get to run at 100%?

Originally Posted by Taylor

And I'd hate for some of my students to miss out on this potential inspiration because they were tightening a 10-32 bolt.

I would argue that the kids who feel the need to spend every last second getting their robot tweaked that last little bit are already pretty inspired. When you are as passionate as a lot of students in this organization are, there is little that anybody could say to make you more passionate than you are.