[Sunshine]

After sleeping on it last night I think I get it. Most of us believe that we strive to get to a world championship that corresponds with a FIRST convention. I think FIRST feels that they offer a convention (workshops, vendors, great learning experiences) that also offers a competition as a side show. Not saying that I agree with their analogy but understand their reasonings. They use the venue for team and student growth. They want as many as possible to experience the great learning experience. My deep feelings (if I express them again) would only add more redundancy to an extremely long thread.

My students and team always set lofty goals. They attempt the near impossible every year. It's part of the magic of FIRST. They take one step at a time to towards greatness. Watering down their expectations and possible achievements is unacceptable in my world. Giving free passes to teams to a world championship has always been a sore spot for me. I always hoped it would get better, now it appears to have gotten worst. I'm sure the brain trust at FIRST has great intentions and a long range plan to excel. Their procedures are puzzling to me but I will remain diligent and faithful to the cause. My goals have always been student focused and I believe FIRST has those same goals.