FIRST definitely should not offer a cash prize for multiple reasons, (A) Why should we make ourselves any more like battle bots? and (B) It is both against the nature of GP and FIRST in general.
Quote:
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the true meaning of a professional is; a hardworking individual who sees both the goal and the means to obtain it. They do not work for their own gains, but for the betterment of all those around them.
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We should be doing what we do in order to better the larger community. FIRST is working to change culture and we cannot change our culture for the better by turning FIRST into a NASCAR season or a bad reality TV show. We show those who are not involved, and others that are part of FIRST, what you can do with an education and a good work ethic, and we do this through inspiring others to carry on and teach others the goals of FIRST. All that adding a cash prize will do to FIRST is turn it into the equivalent of another failed FOX reality show.
The reward for winning Nationals is that you still have a higher goal to reach for, that being the Chairman's Award. The ultimate goal for any FIRST team, showing that all your work to spread the ideals of FIRST is actually working.
(NOTE: American Robot is a good reality show 
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