[Joe Johnson]

What do folks think of the new ruling regarding pushing on the lower edge of the upper deck of the goal with a wall that is 45 degrees or steeper (measured with the horizon)?

Seems to me a pretty significant ruling.

Prior to this you had to actually design a mechanism to get some of the weight of the goal on your wheels. Now all you need is a ramped wall about 17 inches off the ground.

It seems that FIRST is intent on making this a pusher's game.

For my part, I think there was already too much of a tilt toward brute force and pushing in particular. This tilts the scales even farther.

It is entirely possible that the winning solution is just a squarish pusher robot with 45 degree walls 17 inches off the ground.

I hope not, but it may be so.

As always, other thoughts are welcome...

Joe J.