[jman4747]

Originally Posted by BrennanB

Nope it isn't. It's only "necessary" if you want to keep this 20% average of teams making it to champs, which as we have seen with FLL isn't necessary for the program to be incredibly successful.

This just kills the atmosphere of the event.

Mediocrity isn't really okay...

Okay well excuse me for getting a wait list spot and diluting the competition with my crappy lite robot you selfish...

Any way, back to facts. #1 it won't be "20 percent" of teams as time goes on and there are more total teams competing. #2 FIRST has found a way to hold a 600 slot championship and I think it's fine for them to invite extra teams so they can make sure they know how to handle that many in the future as more qualifying events spring up. #3 having a larger field means a bigger event. I think the size and participation that newcomers see when they first visit a championship or regional is part of the sell.