[Hitchhiker 42]

I think the robots are a means to an end (a tool of sorts). Through building robots, we can achieve that goal that FIRST set out. The question is, how important are the robots? Look at it like any other tool - like a screwdriver needed for screwing in a screw. You need the screwdriver - it's kinda important to get the screw fully tightened. Same thing with FIRST - you need the robots to get the inspiration. Even though many outreach events' goals aren't the robot itself, but spreading FIRST, what is there to show and get people interested if there isn't a robot? That is why I think the robots are absolutely critical as a tool to achieve FIRST's mission.