[Ian W.]

I definitely liked programming in C a lot more than in PBASIC, so for that it was worth it.

But, as with any new technology, it needs some time to mature. Expect a few years of not-so-impressive robot programming (well, I'm hoping for just a year, which has already passed, but we'll see), and then there will be a huge amount of improvements to robot programming, as teams finally understand how to work with the controls, and programmers are working with a new control system from the beginning (unlike learning the Issac32 and then relearning the 2004 RC).

I actually have talked to a current 6th grader, in an attempt to get him to learn some more C to start programming for the team next year, it's people like that who will come up with the new and amazing things, because they're in a different mindset. We're all still somewhat used to what can't be done I think, so it's a bit hard for us to jump in and make amazing things, but not when you're brought up on this new system.

The only thing I dread is IFI changing the system drastically in another few years. The only thing that should change is the addition of a USB --> Serial adapter on the RC itself, and that should only be for ease of use. See Elgin's thread for more on that though.

So, bottom line, yes, the change was worth it, just give it some time, and we'll see some very cool things (or so I hope :-)).