FIRST is definately not moving backwards at all, I would think the decision to move to a common submission requirement would make it obvious. With FIRST growing more and more every year, the time that would be spent watching Chairman's Awards videos would grow too. It was probably getting to the point where it was just taking too long... but the 4 paper submission still gives you the opportunity to easily tell everything your team does. That's what Chairmans is all about, helping people... not making flashy videos.
And if the video thing is important, because making cool videos are fun... you can always include live video in your animation. Or make a promo video for your team, or make a video that shows what you guys are doing so far in the build season at your school. Those are just a few ideas...
