[miketwalker]

Although everything in this thread has been speculative and people have brought up good points, I definitly agree that there could be a million different reasons why IFI would not be selling more for this year. Either way, in the case that there are major changes, my only request would be that they continue what they did a few years ago with the edubot... provide an early test-bed for teams to transition with. I know many teams and students that are purchasing the VEX system to learn electronics and develop code to work in FRC next year.

With the hints made several times by FIRST in Atlanta, they definitly are planning to bring that camera back again and will be trying to push autonomous harder once again. As long as teams have time to learn the basics of a new system, I feel that this could be done with great success. I know that several teams plan to try to learn more about better using the CMUCAM in the offseason, and should a major revamp of the system come into play next year (i.e. FIRST decides to use a different color-tracking camera for some reason or the programming language changes)

The transition from Basic to C was a major step a few years ago, and if that happened again I would only hope we had enough time to transition pre-season and develop basic tutorials for students that have never worked with the system before. One possible strategy could be to incorporate these changes into the next-generation VEX controllers a few months before season. It would keep both FRC and FVC using similar controllers, allowing teams to work together as support groups in next year's game as well as learn whatever type of new system is used.

Finally, surprises add to the challenge and I am definitly not saying "They should let the cat out've the bag pre-season." However, something that would completly change how the system works should be announced early enough for teams to adapt and do research so they are in a position where they can tackle the games challenges.