Let's look at the results instead of talking about random matches. At the Florida Regional 5 midrank or junior teams (1902-2nd, 1027-3rd,1251-4th, 801-6th, 1270-7th) were among the top 8. The current algorithm assumes that a junior team will have a weak unit while a veteran team will produce a strong robot. If that were true, then 5 or six veteran team should be in the top 8. Look also at the finals 1902 (with 108, 179, & 365-replacement) was a finalist while 1251 and 1270 were winners with Team 86. The midrank teams were not weak if they were the champions. The difference was having a practical strategy and employing a good scouting system that allowed 1251 to create a strong alliance.
There are only three kinds of fair - county fair, state fair & worlds fair. All pairing systems have a bias but the cream will rise to the top. We were a low number team (86 - Rank 21/51) with only a 4W- 4L record partly because of pairings with three no show teams who did not get to thru their inspections in time for the match. However, we could have gotten these no shows with any other pairing system. I blame the regional officials for not providing a substitute or rescheduling these matches. I would prefer a more random system of matches but a winner succeeds in all cases with good design, determination, desire, discipline, and dedication. I have not checked other regionals but I am aware that Team 45 had a lot of pairing problems and went on to win a regional.
