[mathking]

I completely agree that there is better value with the district model over the regional model. At least for teams in areas with enough team density to support such a model. Even for geographically isolated teams it may well be true that they get more matches in one district event than in one regional event. I believe this is one reason why FIRST is headed toward a district model everywhere. I think another benefit is making qualifying to the next level more attainable. There are many teams that rarely if ever qualify for the World Championships. For such teams, being able to qualify for a district championship is a big deal. The district model also levels the playing field somewhat by letting more teams participate in multiple events, with the commensurate improvements in robot performance. While we have been fortunate enough to go the Championships more often than not, this year will be the second time in 13 years we have gone to two regional competitions. (And this year it was a last second thing that is stretching our finances.)

So I guess I would say you have every right to feel disgruntled. And I think that FIRST as an organization is moving in a direction that will address this problem, if not completely solve it.