[MooreteP]

As a fanboy of the Industrial Revolution, I love the design of this game.
I appreciate the theming that FIRST has imbued on our competitions.

I thought that last year's field costs would have resulted in a more modest and pure scenario this year.
I was mistaken.
The airships are more complex than the Stronghold defenses.
At least they are static.

My concern is field fault replays.
There are many more active sensors that are part of the game this year than in the past.
7 on the airship: 4 rotors, and 3 TouchPads.
5 on the field Hoppers.
The boiler fuel counters are likely not an issue. (See the animation caveat)

I was hoping that video replay would make its debut this year.
I can argue that it would reduce match cycle times. (See 2016 NEDCMP)
With SteamWorks, I would not go there.

I predict that the question box will be well-populated.

Last year I praised the fortitude of the field reset crews. 600 wiffle balls this year are no small task either. At least they won't be replacing shear pins this year.

The FTA's will deserve combat pay.
+10 minute match cycles as the field breaks in and wears down.

My optimism survives with the knowledge that our competitions will be filled with engineers and their proteges.

Prepare for flight.