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Originally Posted by Matt Adams
I think that one of the most fantastic parts about FIRST is that the biggest and most successful teams are also the most abiding to the rules.
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And I will have to disagree with you. While it is nice to think this, many teams don't. Behind the shroud of GP, many teams have alternative strategies, as well as ways to not only bend the rules, but also go completely around them.
I agree 100% that GP is extremely important, and that many teams exhibit wonderful practices emphasizing GP. However, don’t kid yourself; this isn’t a perfect organization full of perfect, rule abiding teams. Many care much more about winning than following the rules, or the practice of GP. Even some of the "biggest and most successful". They may hide it well, but it is there.
On the topic of practice robots, it provides an excellent way for teams to get driving practice, as well as a way for more students to get their "hands dirty". This is especially true for large teams. However, I don’t think it is beneficial to have this robot readily available. Weather or not it is legal, I don’t like the idea of a team swapping out two robots when one is damaged (I’ve seen it done). I think this takes away from the “repair” and pit aspects of the competition.
Tis’ a double edged sword.