[d.courtney]

Require that teams build two identical robots, one gets a blue makeover, the other red, absolutely no wondering who's on what team ever again.

Ok now with all seriousness, I have to say I like the flags, for their simplicity and their ease of seeing who is on what team from the stands. Don't get me wrong, I don't like the implications the flag has with this years rules when a tube gets caught, and I don't like how easily they come lose, but these are just small issues that FIRST could easily address. How hard would it be for them to change the possession rule so that when its around the flag holder so it doesn't count as the possession of your single tube and I doubt anyone would contest this change to the rule if ever it were to come. It would if anything benefit the opposing alliance when you have a tube stuck around the flag, as it makes that tube not usable anymore, but it is not near the advantage they get right now, as it is eliminating a scoring robot from completing the purpose of the game. I'm all for any other part on your robot that it will count as possession.
As far as the flag falling out to much, just have a cap connected part way up the flag that fits snugly around the flag holder, or have a thicker flag pole, and a slot at the bottom or top and secure it to the holder with a zip tie for the match... still quick and easy.