This has been a great discussion. I admit that I have never been a fan of replacing "creativity" with "plug-and-play someone elses idea" but the discussion has helped me to understand that the buy-a-transmission route is not necessarily something that will hurt creativity. So I'm more positive on the idea than ever before, and I'll quit grumbling to myself now...
Karthik's comments on this topic and Andy's capitalism comment hit home for me. Thanks guys.
I hope FIRST will make sure their rules and team guidance capture this sort of evolution of the game. It should be clear to every team (even to those who don't have CD addicts) what is available, how to best obtain the hardware, and how it is to be accounted for within the rules.
Maybe something on the FIRST website that includes "non-FIRST systems that you can buy for your FIRST robot."
As far as people from AndyMark helping specific teams, I say have at it. I'm expecting them to SPONSOR a team in the 2007 season
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Ken