[Citrus Dad]

I think this thread may be focusing on the correct perspective. Whether a given state or District is competitive is not important to the overall mission of FIRST or FRC. That mission is to improve educational STEM opportunities with an exciting project-based learning model. The more teams, the better, even if it dilutes competitive balance. Michigan is incredibly successful in this model. I, and probably many others, wish that we could be in regions with such problems.

The key to Michigan resuming its rightful place is "coopertion." The stronger teams should work to make the newer teams stronger. Share resources and experience. Educate them more, work together. This is what FIRST is supposed to be about--get to it.