[MrJohnston]

I need to do some more scouting before having an actual prediction, but I do think that many of these "guesses" are missing a major point: Canburgling.

Look at most of the Curie predictions: 148 and 1114 top everybody's list. There is no doubt in my mind that they are the two strongest robots in that division. However, neither has much canburgling ability (at least as of yet). If they work together as the #1 alliance in Curie, their third pick is not likely to have a great canburgler. In other words they could be facing the prospects of frequently only having access to 3 recycling containers. So... 3 x 42pt stacks + 20 auto + 30 more tote points (?) = 176 pts. That won't get them out of the quarterfinals.

So, let's say 1114 is #1 out of qualifications. Do they dare pick 148? That question comes down to: Have they developed a fast enough autonomous can-grabber to be able to afford to do so? Or, do they need to grave for the fastest two-can auto grabber in Curie, whomever that might be? Of course if 148 is #1, they are going to have to look at 1114 and determine if they have the ability to win the center bin wars. If not, do they dare pick 1114?

The fact of the matter is: That first pick in alliance selection is, in all likelihood, going to be the fastest and most accurate can grabber available. With countless teams developing grabbers right now, it is impossible to know who that will actually be.

In all divisions, I predict that the #1 captain will be somebody who individually puts up 120-140 points per match - three stack capability. That captain will then pick the fastest/best two-can grabber in the division so long as it can put up about 40 points. The third pick will be the best available two-can grabber. The fourth - a robot that can put up some points, but may only have the ability to grab one recycling container.

What I like about this: The competition is wide open. Starting right now, if you can build the fastest two bin grabber, you have a legitimate shot at getting yourself onto Einstein.

What I find both scary and exciting: The world's fastest canburgler may not present itself until elimination rounds - or even division finals.

Yes, this year's championships could be decided by cheesecake.