First off, I think it can be done with the right people, and second off, I think Jess' rules are very much true from what I've seen
I've personally tried the FIRST relationship thing - a few times at that. Max distance was 1400 miles (give or take), closest was on my own team. But I have found now that my life has taken a rather large turn away from FIRST, sometimes it's a little easier when you're both not robotics crazies
At least you don't spend hours squabbling over strategies and building designs - and you don't spend forever trying to track each other down in the Nationals "city"
Jess... I remember an old rule you had about dating someone within FIRST, but don't date while at competitions. I think that has to be one of the best ones to follow - particulary if you are not on the same team!