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Originally Posted by Gdeaver
Instead of focusing on the rules, what needs to be discussed is how does First allow and encourage new technology into the competition and at the same time keep a level playing field. Also how to incorporate technology that requires special facilities where the student can not be directly involved and hands on....
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Im with you on this. Its frustrating to see a small team with no big sponsors struggle to attach a gear to a drive shaft, when other teams are CNC'ing their frame from a block of aluminum (ok, Im exagerating a little).
One way to do what you propose is to get design firms and modeling shops to sign up as sponsors for your team. Your team can have more than one sponsor. If they are offically sponsors then their labor does not count against your robot BOM costs. If you are paying them for the work, then it does - and it could be exactly the same amount of work and involvement with the team.
I think the reason FIRST sets things up this way is to get more relationships established with local businesses in your area - its all about networking. If you have a small team this is the kind of thing that will get your students exposure to other aspects of engineering. It might also led to summer jobs, internships, coop positions.... as they progress through their education in HS and college.