[dtengineering]

If FiM has raised/found/scrounged/etc. funds, then it is reasonable that they should be able to distribute them as they see fit. If you want FiM support, then you have to play by FiM's rules.

If they are holding FIRST events, however, they have to follow FIRST's rules. If FIRST doesn't enforce their rules in Michigan, then they lose the moral authority (if not the legal authority) to enforce those rules in other areas.

Personally I believe that FTC is very appropriate for high school students, and, like VEX, is arguably educationally more sound than FRC in many respects.

And I will point out that VEX and VEX IQ are just two of the many excellent alternatives to FIRST branded programs. If you don't like FiM's approach, the best way to vote is with your feet. Nothing gets an event organizer to pay attention more quickly than having half of their teams walk away....

Jason