[rich2202]

My guess is that the Q&A will say "no". The rules are the rules, and you are asking for an exception.

That said, the RI's at events have some latitude, which is the "special permission" you received last year. RI's want robots to compete. They are there to help robots compete "safely", not to find reasons to disqualify a robot. Note that I said "safely", which is not the same as "legal".

For example, if you had an illegal motor, they would make you disconnect it, not necessarily remove it, which is what the rules would require. Your "special permission" was the RI's acknowledging that the additional pressure relief valve would keep your robot safe in most circumstances.

"Special Permission" is reasonable when you make a mistake, not knowing any better. If you purposely build a robot that violates the rules, don't be surprised if they make you disconnect it. Once is a mistake. Two years in a row, and the LRI may not be as accommodating. Especially if you ask the Q&A, and the Q&A says "no".