[Joel J]

I don't like it when people would sacrifice the ability to win to get a little bit more quality.

Quality is good, because it tends to have a direct correlation with success, which is what is really desired (heh).

If I can have a quality robot that can be successful, then that's my cake! If I can only have one robot, then I'll take the successful one.

"Look, I have the most well-engineered robot in the world!" -- then the robot can't do a darn thing to be competitive, or win. I don't like that.

But to be complete:

"Look, I have the most successful robot this year!" -- then a sharp edge slices someone's finger off. I DON'T like that.

I guess I'm looking at both types of robots with all else being equal.

1. Make it functional.
2. Make it elegant.
3. Make it look good.

That's the order I usually use to guide my thinking. Clearly, there are times when the only thing that matters is looks, and other times when all that matters is quality, etc.