In general FIRST robots have a very conservative safety strategy. This is mandated by the Rule book which comes out at kickoff in January. Tristan talked about loopholes in rules and in general loopholes which involve safety are frowned on in the FIRST community. In fact in previous years the first rule in the safety section of the rule book is a catch all rule which allows FIRST to enforce safety rules they didn't specificly address in the rule book. I would reccomend wiring your robot following the exact set of rules given in the rule book paying specific attention to the electrical wiring diagram. Just because your wiring layout is theoreticly safer an inexperienced robot inspector might not pass you on this test. Robot inpection usually happens on the practice day (Thursday) of the regional. If your robot does not prass inspection it can not play during competition.
FIRST robots generaly rely on novel mechanical design for scoring game pieces rather than pure power to push around opponents. Sure powerful drive trains are encouraged. However, FIRST has been moving in a direction with the games where offensive robots are more encouraged. I don't expect that to change.
We favor beauty in mechanical design over electrical brawn
