[billbo911]

What I find really interesting is that even if FIRST decides to not have this competition, and I hope and pray they do have it, that Vex is still a great learning system. You can build with it quite easily. You can validate design concepts. Experiment with programming (I currently use the MPLAB, MCC18 compiler and IFI loader and a prototype programming module). All this and more for an exceptionally reasonable amount of money.

I would very strongly suggest that all teams acquire at least one kit. You would be surprised what you can do with it once you get started. I'll admit, one kit may fall a little short on parts to build beyond basic systems, but aren't all complex systems built out of combinations of basic subsystems? Believe me when I say, you can experiment and fine tune ideas and concepts by building subsystems one at a time. Then, when you get one dialed in, dismantle it and move on to the next. Before you know it, you have mastered systems designs and concepts and are ready to build a full blown bot, using the proven ideas and concepts you have already validated and fine tuned in the Vex environment.

That being said, I hope Vex is not limited to just a testing and learning system. I truly believe FIRST will do well to add Vex to it's existing challenges.