[ahartnet]

I don't really have an opinion about the theme. I think for every kid that the theme makes FRC seem silly/uncool, you'll have a kid that's pumped for a theme they relate to.

The thing that I did find useful was theming the playing field. I think it made the game more fun to watch. Having things that were recognizable to joe-schmoe wathcing a match (drawbridge and tower mainly) were helpful. Some other things (such as the rockwall or rough terrain) were more shoe-horned into the theme, but that's fine.

Everything else about the theme was take it or leave it to me. I almost prefer to have my team focus on our team's theme (which is more permanently a pear) than a years theme, that we may have to redo things significantly for next year.