I was so lucky to be in an Orlando area team. Kennedy Space Center was driving distance and obviously Disney is in Orlando. Also, my teacher helped us out a lot. He gave a lot of his own money and he didn't need to do that at all. I am very greatful for it though I guess I could see your anger because every senior in high school wants to have that unforgettable senior year. FIRST is an unforgettable experience and I have wished that I was still in high school getting to have those good times again.
It's unfortunate that you are not allowed to do traditional fund raising. Still, there has to be some type of loop hole that should let you do some type of fund raising. I mean, is a car wash an EVIL deed that must never be done that will shame your school? My old team used to do beggathons where we take the robot out and display what we're doing and people get really impressed and are willing to fork out like $10 bucks each. One day we made $500 infront of Publix.
I sympythise with your ordeal and add the note that I think FIRST shouldn't have instated this qualifying for nationals. Granted that FIRST has grown HUGE over such a short time period and that nationals would probably have to take up 5 bowls or twice the parking space of Disney but to tell somebody you can't go is heart breaking. I'm UNBELIEVABLY glad that my last year we were an even # team. If I didn't get to go to nationals, I probably would have broken down
