[pmangels17]

I have often found that the coolest designs were those that were both functional and resilient. I really enjoyed seeing all the creative designs for robots this year, and a break from defense wasn't the worst thing for FRC, but I look forward to returning to a time when I can marvel at the amazing machines that survive the torture test of FRC defense and still do amazing things. Designs like 341's 2012 intake, 67's entire seamless 2013 robot, and 254's spectacularly simple 2014 machine are amazing not only because they creatively solved a problem but because they did so in a way that they were able to sustain massive hits and still perform at the highest level.

**steps on soapbox
Competition is the vehicle we use to inspire students. We work to build better robots in order to win, and through that desire to win we push ourselves to do better. When we see what we can create when driven to do better, that is inspiring stuff. I enjoyed the creativity we saw from teams this year without the defense, but now I'd like to see how we can take this creativity to the next level. That next level is continuing to be creative, but making our ideas able to survive big hits and stand up to the test of strength.
**steps off soapbox

I also really like defense like we saw in 2013. I think it is important to interact with the opposing alliance, and it adds a certain level of uncertainty regarding who will win the match. This year, after the can battles, we could basically always pick the winner before teleop even started.

[Insert quip about these being my opinions and not necessarily those of my team.]