[Andrew]

I think first should:
1. eliminate machining costs from the $3500 limit
2. eliminate the electronics sub-budget and the per electronic item limit
3. INCLUDE all spare parts costs in the $3500 limit
4. INCLUDE OI parts in the $3500 limit

Why?
1. FIRST ran into difficulties this year on whose machining costs can you waive and whose must you bill. The only way to truly solve the inequities of this problem would be to waive all machining costs.

2. The original electronics budget predates the $3500 limit. It is a relic of an earlier time. The $3500 budget and the $400 per item limits cover electronics as well as mechanics.

3. The problem with practice robots and the inequities of teams carrying bunches of spare parts would be solved if teams had to bill them as well as the main robot.

4. I don't know why this one really. It just seems that the OI is part of your robot and should be billed as well.