[Mike]

A little birdy told me that FIRST is testing two minute autonomous modes right this very moment. This makes sense, seeing how FIRST is putting more and more emphasis on a stronger autonomous mode.

As far as a programming GUI is concerned, if you want to use it: go ahead. It's the same as the scripting language that was provided this year. Sure, it makes some things easier, but I know it can't be nearly as powerful as a smart programmer. A program will never replace good old fashioned hand coding.