[IronicDeadBird]

Originally Posted by KathieK

Please remember we're not about the robots. Are your students being inspired? FIRST's mission:
Our mission is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.
If your team is no longer fulfilling the mission of FIRST remind the mentors of the mission statement. Remind them that the mission includes innovation, and in order to fulfill the mission, you may have to take risks and try something new with the robot design.

QFT. Remember keep a clear head when addressing conflict, this mentality appears to me to be the play it safe route. Nothing wrong with doing what you know (except when situation demands you put yourself out of your comfort zone) but I encourage students to try things and make mistakes before they get to the real world. You can pick the wrong drive base for a build season and have fun so do it have fun when you have room to make mistakes.
A great teacher once told me
Take chances, make mistakes, get messy.