[EricH]

That "aside from" isn't ENOUGH of a reason?


There are several scenarios I can think of where more weight is advantageous. I can't think of any examples (other than maybe 2007...)
1) CG considerations. This is more about placement than about total mass, but if you are light and tall, you're probably going to need to take a lot more care of where your CG is. I remember at least one 6' robot going over with minimal contact in '07 (max weight, 100 lb sans battery and optional bumpers). Sorry, don't remember exactly which team/event, let alone match. I want to say San Diego '07, one of the Oregon teams in attendance, but not sure. If I can find it, I'll link it.

2) More functionality (advantageous if you can use it). More functionality generally means higher weight, but you can do more. OTOH, if doing more means you do worse (or less due to lack of practice), then this is a severe disadvantage.

3) It's not that hard to remove weight. But it's a LOT easier to ADD weight. And, given the pushing matches that ensue in FRC, many a team will at least consider how to mount a steel plate low on the robot. Then, of course, they get pushed around in one match and opt to increase their normal force.



That said... maybe one of the REAL old-timers on here can give us a rundown of the classic award, "Flyweight in the Finals"!