[JHBurch]

Competing in FIRST is more like competing in the NFL than the soapbox derby. I am impressed by your ability to persevere and field a team with limited money and engineering support. On the other hand, I don't think because some teams are currently working on a shoestring budget that FIRST should limit the funding for all teams. The better scenario would be for FIRST and the FIRST community of teams and sponsors to find ways to help under-supported teams achieve a higher level of engineering and monetary support, both in and out of their local area. As for engineering support, many teams already welcome questions and requests for help and respond with detailed drawings, code snippets and strategy suggestions. Perhaps FIRST and others could also start a fund for teams with limited support and provide further assistance in finding engineering sponsors for teams. Sort of a welfare plan (no negative connotation intended) for robotics teams to help them get on their feet. I guess this is a little like what NASA is already doing by co-sponsoring so many teams.

We all want a level playing field, but I believe the level should be a high one - not one cut down to the least common denominator.