[The Lucas]

Scoring 80 pts is better. There are only 80 sec (2 periods) of offense in this game. Defense can take all 120 sec (3 periods). So the offensive bot is more productive since it only takes 2/3 of the time to do its 80 pt job. The offensive bot could play defense during the defensive period and prevent other bots from scoring (bring its point total above 80 pts). Or the offensive bot could be the backbot (required) and let other bots play defense.

Also, the offensive bot might draw defenders effectively preventing them from scoring. In one qualifying match at Philly, a bot was the best offensive and defensive bot on an alliance. They spent their entire match playing good defense on a high scoring bot and probably prevented more points than they would have scored, but their alliance was unable to to score enough points without them. Their point gain is the difference between the points they prevented and the points they would have scored if they were not playing D. The other bot's point gain is the sum of points they managed to score while being defended and the points the defender would have scored.

I am not saying defense is not important because it is very important in this game. However, it is not a 1 for 1 tradeoff with offense and if you have a choice I suggest you score 80 pts.