[Al Skierkiewicz]

If I am following your thinking here, this is what I would expect next year...
Auto mode stays in for 15 seconds, BUT...
Teams that can avoid objects and/or other robots will gain bonus points or multipliers. OR
Teams that can maneuver a small maze or make it to a prescribed area in auto mode get bonus points or multipliers. OR
For a real difficult twist, auto mode in engaged at random and the robot has to seek out a target area for bonus points or multiplier. (sort of like musical chairs, find a seat.)
Any of these game additions require additional sensors, perhaps requiring the raising of the single component cost limit. Ultrasonic detectors, sound seekers, reflection seekers, bar code readers all are possibilities.