[emeraldstorm]

As mentioned, what makes the FiM district so great is the depth. Obviously, there are many elite teams, but with a district the size and age of Michigan, it's hard not to find a successful or previously successful team.

Contrary to popular belief, most of the higher-performing teams are very classy on and off the field. A venture through the pits at MSC and several other FiM district events showed me that these teams that have had major successes through the years are usually the most generous and welcoming. Obviously experiences will differ, as you can catch any team under a high amount of stress at a competition.

As for the elitism and performance versus other regions, most of us in Michigan are very proud of our FIRST origins, but deeply frown upon arrogance and elitism. And as for the performance this year in divisions and Einstein, I'm surprised that people are complaining as much as they are that no more than 3 teams from FiM made it to Einstein. Having played with 3538, 217, and 5050, and other teams that made it to divisional finals such as 494 and 910, it was awesome to see the team depth of those that made it to the div finals/Einstein.

With 411+ teams compared to 2nd-most FIRST populous California with 158+, MI is guaranteed to statistically provide a higher quantity of experienced teams (and thus a deeper playing field) than any other district.

EDIT: IKE nailed it. I definitely agree with the mentor distribution point.