[Qbot2640]

Originally Posted by marshall

For the first time I can ever recall in the team's history (since 2002), and I've been around for a lot of it (since 2003), we are seriously considering taking the energies/focus/resources off of FRC and putting them into something else. There are a lot of reasons for this but believe me when I tell you that this notion of a split championship has been a catalyst for having these conversations. Striving to be the best in the world at something is a huge driver for us. Removing that goal (or adding more if you prefer looking at it that way) is demotivating.

^This

Our team probably has some different reasons - but the outcome is the same...it is demotivating. We've also been growing over the last four years - ever since our successful 2012 season which earned us our first and only trip to Saint Louis. We've budgeted each year to return, but have not qualified so we did not...we could have waitlisted but we want to return again on merit. Lowering the bar removes some of this motivation...but more important, making the event that we would attend one of two...and having only half of the teams we want to see and interact with at each removes much more.

Our team is not currently entertaining Vex participation, or any other outlet - but I also see it possible now. From an economics perspective, "bang for the buck" if you will...the split reduces the bang. And while it is still a year away, I've already sensed a reduction in the desire to raise funds by our team.