[David.Cook]

I agree with the main points in most of these threads, but I wanted to point out some subtle dependencies.

a) yes, you need to have a strategy and understand the game, but without a rugged, dependable 'bot and a driver who can implement your strategy you haven't a chance. That tends to give more weight to the 'bot and driver.

b) I observed in many matches that a well-executed opening move in auton mode really increased the teams chance of success. It wasn't a guarantee of a win (i.e.: you still need strategy, rugged 'bot and good driver), but it made winning much easier. This means that auton execution is at least a small part of the equation.

c) 'bots that were able to finish on the ramp did have an advantage. I observed many matches where the teams executed well during play, but were not able to convert the 'bot into 25 more points for the win. I think teams underestimated the difficulty in driving up the ramp. This indicates that driver skill may factor higher in the equation.

Lastly, I think each team should develop its own idea of what the winning equation is, and go forward with that as a hypothesis. Then you get to test your hypothesis in the game, and adjust it as necessary. This is part of what engineering and science are all about. You learn a great deal by observing how you assumptions hold up in real-life.