[Rob]

Well here we go...

I want to start by saying that this is not a thread to flame or bad mouth anyone. If you want to post something like that, please use the personal messaging system.

It does sting to know that our robot was disabled for much of the semi-finals because it was ripped apart by the goal grabber of 494. We experienced their defense in both the first and third matches. In both they rendered our machine ineffective because of excessive damage. I truly feel like we let our great alliance partners down, especially in the last match. I also feel that if FIRST wanted to discourage this behavior, they would have issued a disqualification.

While talking with members of the 494 drive team after the match, a mentor told me that we should have built a more robust machine, with more protection for our electronics. He was right. Given the way that the game has evolved, teams need to be very aware of the need for things like protective shielding and enclosed frames.

I know people say many things because of the frustration involved with losing in this way. I hope I make it clear, as have others in this thread, that 494 did many wonderful things as a team. The strategy they chose to employ in the elimination rounds did leave many teams with a bad taste in their mouths. Also remember that they helped rebuils a rookie team who had their machine shipped to another location. They also provided the dynamometer and countless other services to teams. There is a huge difference between the team 494 that people saw in the pits and stands and the team 494 that people saw on the field.

Having been a member of a team that has had its share of controversial moments, I can say that we all need to look at the complete team, not just the results of their agressive play. I hope that this thread can remain a constructive discussion that everyone in the FIRST community can learn from.

Rob