I don't know how much this stuff actually costs to design and manufacture. I've always wondered what exactly makes a Victor cost $120. Nonetheless, the electronics system that comes with the KOP would cost in excess of $2000 if purchased from IFI. Since your whole KOP plus the entry fee to the competition costs $6000, you can assume that IFI is selling it to FIRST for somewhat less than that, and the savings are being passed along to you. IFI donates a lot of money to FIRST, and I suspect that you still come out with a net savings, even if you buy more stuff from IFI.
On a related note, everything that I have checked for price between IFI and other companies are very similar... the old trannies, speed controllers, wheels, motors...
As far as the Chicklet costing too much, this device was designed by a student in the FIRST and CD community, and is almost certainly being sold at a reasonable price. It is certainly meant as a luxury item... you don't need USB joysticks. If you don't have the $130, flightsticks will work just as well.
Just because IFI has all of our business doesn't mandate that their prices be cheaper... you can't sell things at a loss and make it up on volume. Besides, somebody has to pay JVN's salary, right?
