To me, this is sad is a lot of change, however I can't rationalize at all this decision. But, to be blunt this decision was made over a long period of time and work. As someone who books large events, you don't sign contracts five years out in multiple cities without serious time and energy put into it.
All of our complaining isn't going to change a thing unfortunately. Even if FIRST decided to 'listen to the people' they would have same major PR Issues enormous cancellations fees.
Maybe in 2021 we can re-visit...
