We learned our lesson on this last year. Too many motors on the robot meant not enough power. We made a solid run at Nationals but battery power was a constant issue.
Ironically we had only a 2 motor drive base. I felt we were penalized for focusing on an elegant shooter because we were routinely disturbed by box bots.
I agree with Dr. Joe that something needs to be done. I was around in '96 and had the pleasure of building a squat little 70lbs. bot. It was a blast. I remember how challenging it was to utilize the available motors.
Pneumatics were also a rich source of power......I'd argue that nowadays they're more or less irrelevant. We haven't been able to justify the weight for three seasons.(which by the way is a product of so many motors. why waste weight on a pump, spikes, and solenoids when you have a plethora of light high torque motors to use.)
I'll never suggest that we use rules to govern how robots are built. I feel that we have too many rules as it is. Perhaps a robot class system is what we need. A stock class for entry level players and an unlimited class for the big dogs.
Teams who chose could compete in a stock class for a year or two with more access to off-the-shelf components and rules that forced them to run a stock chassis.....thus forcing them to focus on the creative portions of the game. The next year they could register to play in the unlimited class where they would have less access to off-the-shelf parts...forcing teams to go custom. Pair this system with challenging playing fields that demand creativity and we're good to go.
Many of these issues stem from the fact that veteran teams have a potential advantage over enrty-level programs from experience alone. FIRST polices it by giving young teams access to veteran team technology and dumbing down the playing field. Perhaps a class system would solve all of these problems.
Afterall, it isn't inspiring for my students to build an amazing machine just to see it bashed and beaten apart in a free-for-all melee. For the record, we jumped back on board this season with a 4 motor shifting drivetrain and tank like construction.
Thanks for your valued input Dr. Joe.