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Mike B.- so nice to have you wade in on this one. You have raised a number of good and relavent points. I indeed remember the rough and tumble days of yesteryear TJ2 and Naval Undersea War Fare at the Rumble at the Rock (who could forget that one) and a long list of really tough matches (I know we were the target of more than a few beatings handed out by others).
Yes - FIRST teaches many things but so does alot of things in life. I believe the nature of sporting competitions can teach you sportsmanship, understanding, compassion, gracious professionalism, (the best in people) BUT - it can also bring out the worst in people as well. I know, because its happened to me and others witnessed it. That is my fault, I'm human and I made a mistake. Do we really want the mistakes that will sneak out in the heat of battle to be the defining thought that others have ?
Rationalize the reasons for the competition format anyway that you want - bottom line to me as regards to FIRST is, "Does the potential outcome result in increasing the Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology?
If I wanted to learn the pyschological effects of sports on the nature of human beings - I'm not sure that I'd want to link it to FIRST, but then again - I suppose this is not that far from the social experiments that they have induced in the past (forced cooperation by forming alliances, and eventually teams playing against the clock instead of head to head)
I suppose you are right - maybe FIRST has become more than just Inspiration or Recognition. Maybe, FIRST isn't really even about Science and Technology. Maybe, Woody really teaches in the Behavioral Sciences and FIRST is just a smokescreen!
But, as I have stated on Rauls' post - CD7 will be designed as robust as we can afford it to be, considering the weight limitations and the choices we make for the functionality we have chosen to design into the Chief so it can play the game. That is because we do accept the challenge, we will accept whatever the rules are - afterall, the rules will apply to all. BUT, that doesn't mean that I agree with them, and in this case I have said I hope that FIRST changes their mind and allows only pushing and not pulling or lifting. Interaction is unavoidable as bad driving and a crowded playing field will prove that. Bad decisions and accidents are easily disguised, and intentions are difficult to measure.
In closing, I can only agree with you on the excitement and memories of the matches that resulted in parts flying and lots of repairs - I wonder if my memories and feelings are the same as the people on the teams that were on the short end? The main difference between Battlebots and FIRST is that in Battlebots you not only accept the possibility, you realize the goal is to immobilize (aka; destroy) the opponent, where as in FIRST you are told to approach this game and everything you do with gracious professionalism, and the goal here is to win the game.
Mike, I applaude your effort and you know I respect you more than I could ever say - I respect the very difficult decisions that you have made in the past (we miss Plymouth North at FIRST) and I wish you the very best in whatever direction that life takes you. Goodluck and please post as often as you can - your insights are always welcome.
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