[Doug G]

Nationals should definitely be smaller!! 150 - 200 teams, tops! Get rid of the tier system (too confusing anyways). Have the teams selected as Joe said. Maybe add in the honorable mentions if you wish. Last year, we went to nationals (odd, even thing) and was agast at the pits in the astrodome. For the real guru engineering students on the team and the operators, they barely had enough down time to see all the teams in the pit, let alone competing. I'm still bummed that I never got to meet / talk to some inspiring teams, unless they're in our division (or in our pit row). Let Nationals be the best of the best - we'll find a way to get there. Set aside a National Traveling Expenses Fund - or just plan on going to watch if not to compete. Might this help bring down the cost of Nationals, too!