[Sean Schuff]

Wow! This discussion has evolved quickly! Just like every other one on this topic.

I'm a big picture kind of guy and I don't like to see people ruin a good thing because they don't like a small part of what they see. Don't trade in the Cadillac just because there is a scratch in the bumper. FIRST is bigger than a handful of teams that some perceive to be in violation of some rule that doesn't exist.

I've said this before in an unrelated post and figured it fit in just as well here. Relating to why students (and mentors for that matter) get involved in FIRST...

Whatever the "reason" for their wanting to be a part of something really cool, it's their reason and just as valid as anyone elses.

Who are we (any of us involved in FIRST) to judge another team/robot/approach to FIRST? I take pride in the way our team operates and I fully understand the philosophy behind FIRST. And I certainly don't belittle other teams because they don't share the same operational philosophy that I do. I will admit that when I was new to the world of FIRST I had some skepticism toward teams that are driven more by mentors than by students but I've changed over the years. I get it now. I understand what FIRST is all about. Big picture - kids think engineering and science and math and technology and being an ubergeek is cool! We are succeeding!

My thoughts on the notion of FIRST not being an educational enterprise... Being an educator I find it very difficult to not view FIRST as an educational endeavor but that's simply becuase I look at most things in life as educational in some respect. That's my perspective and that's how I operate. You can take the teacher out of the classroom but you can't take the classroom out of the teacher. My life revolves around teaching, sharing experiences and getting kids excited about learning. It's a lifelong process that they need to be prepared for.

Different teams. Different philosophies. Different approaches to the anamoly that is FIRST Robotics. If you have a hard time reconciling this simple truth you may want to find something different to do with your time.

Bottom line for me - I do this FIRST thing because it's fun. When I'm no longer having fun doing it (can't imagine that!) I'll find something else fun to do.

Best of luck to ALL teams no matter how you operate. You all deserve it!

My one cent (the other is paying for expensive gas!)

Sean