[seanwitte]

You need to caveat your challenge to include a statement about long-term support. If a rookie team is given a competitive design their first year they will do well, have fun, and be ready to come back the next year. If the handouts suddenly cease and they field a bad robot that does not work and is not competitive they will probably fold. Where are you then? Inspiration does not equate to a bunch of smiling excited kids. They have a winning robot, of course they're excited! When they're still excited through the rough times, then you have something.

I've been to a regional with a robot that was not competitive and it was extremely frustrating and stressful. It was no fun for the kids cheering when the robot didn't move in many of the matches. Say what you want about FIRST, but the regional is all about the matches. Bust your butt for six weeks plus, then drive three hours to watch a paperweight. If the team did not have some fantastic mentors and an army of organized parents and teachers that team would be long gone.