Weeks 4 and 5 say the beginnings of what I think Championship will look like (at particular regionals). Teams have figured out how to beat ramps, and beat them consistently. Many winning alliances still have ramps as an options, but no longer rely on them (and/or only use them for 30 a match). Spoilers are becoming bigger and bigger (when rows get full, spoilers are worth much more than ringers). Autonomous is now important (1114; 3/4 Vegas SF alliances scored keepers often; keepers determined several matches in 111s march to the WMR finals; etc.), especially in close and/or defensive matches. The rack is beginning to fill up (watch Waterloo, Boston, Toronto, Vegas, and Palmetto for proof). The winning alliances can either grind it out defensively, or pour on the points, depending on how their opponents play. Spoilers scare people, a lot (the "skunkworks spoiler" might just be my new favorite strategy
). Refs are cracking down on ramps and defense. The hybrids are shining (254, 330, and 1114 each won 2 regionals). The multi-threat alliances have come out firing. Welcome to Rack N' Roll, here's where the real fun starts.