[ChrisH]

For Veteran teams I agree that the best thing to do is delegate a subteam to do inventory and LEAVE THE PARTS ALONE. If you were paying attention during the Kickoff you will already know roughly how much power is available (ie what motors are there).

Last year we did not open the kit until after we had a concept for the robot. We did all of our "back of the envelope" calculations based on past experience, spec sheets in the documentation, and the parts list.

For a rookie team I'd recommend the same strategy, but I think it would be hard to implement. Kind of like putting a big box under the tree and saying "Here it is, but instead of opening it on Christmas you'll have to wait until Boxing Day" to a six year old. The distraction caused by the anticipation may not be worth it.