[Taylor]

I think that as a team, it is your duty to have the robot on the field at all times when it is supposed to be (save the practice day on Thursday). Perhaps the most inspirational moment for me came at this year's BMR when 1319 got half their robot knocked off during autonomous mode. Understandably upset, the team picked up their remains and headed back to the pits. About twenty minutes later, I saw the 1319 bot on the field again. Well, half of it anyway. The team put the drivebase (maybe 2 feet tall) out there and played defense - pushed others around, got on the ramp at the end. Later that afternoon, the complete robot was back on the field, playing to its original capacity.
Long story short, 1319's alliance is headed to Atlanta.
If they had not competed in all rounds, I'm sure their ranking would have been different, they probably would not have been picked where they were, and would not have become champions.
Even if your robot is completely nonfunctional, it still can play a role. Perhaps another team can push it in front of a corner goal to play D. Perhaps it can block a ramp. Being there, getting in the way, mere presence not only gains points, but it increases visibility, awareness, and (in my case) respect.