From the NJ regional point of view:
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Originally Posted by Barry Bonzack
I'm wanting to know more about the ramp. I read here that usually 1 or 2 robots per alliance make it up, but with trouble. Are the 5 extra points really worth that 10 seconds? Do most teams at least try for it, or are they scoring to the bitter end and ignoring it like the behind the line bonus from last year? Are there many robots that fall over whiling trying to get up the ramp like expected?
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2 robots on the ramp appears to be max, 3 I've yet to see done, more teams are having problems with the ramp then everyone has expected. If you have balls at 10 seconds, then don't go up the ramp, just get into open space and get that shot off, if you don't have any balls then if its open, communicate with the other drivers and start getting up on the ramp. (read on for more on this)
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Originally Posted by Barry Bonzack
- Do defense robots nest next to the corner goals like everyone has been speculating?
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Nope, they are harassing the teams that are trying to get shots off. Mostly defencive robots are congregating within a 5 foot radius of the center ramp, that area also happens to be where 98% of all tipped robots i've seen are.
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Originally Posted by Barry Bonzack
- What is the normal strategy for free for all period? Is there more scoring or defense?
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This all depends on the strength of your robot, if you can shoot, generally you are scoring points. If you can't shoot, your playing defence. Not soo many people are going for the ramp, I don't think I've seen any 25 point bonuses at all, and in most matches only one robot from either alliance makes it onto a platform. However it is common to see traffic jams at the base of a platform at then end of a match, some robots are being very effective at just sitting at the base of the ramp stopping people from going up.
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Originally Posted by Barry Bonzack
- Are comebacks often from alliances that don't win autonomous mode?
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If you have a working autonomous mode, you having a working shooter/dumper that alone sets you way ahead, however if you have a team that has a great robot but needs work on the autonomous its possible to make up the difference. I'd imagine winning autonomous will make a much bigger difference in playoffs though.
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Originally Posted by Barry Bonzack
- how hard really is it to tell if your on offense or defense if you are the drivers/coach/hp?
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The light above the goal is how you check this, just look up across the field and if its green then you can shoot. If its not, then don't, the sounds though I found harder to pick up, but watch the light and look at the countdown clock.