I'm surprised about this thread. I understand its significance and why it has appeared, but find it a growing pain with any organization of exponential growth.
This was a tough year for 1523. I cannot tell you all the equipment breakdowns we suffered this year. It amazes me that we made it as far as we did. But, as in industry, you have to recognize these issues and plan for the failures in terms of spare parts and possible plan 'B's.. No new designs are ever perfect and FIRST rolled out many changes this year with new radios, new sponsors, and a very challenging game.
If you had a robot that was competitive, and made the top 30 in a regional, congratulate yourselves. You succeeded.
If you had a robot that broke down, but we able to fix it for the next match, congratulate yourselves, you succeeded.
If you we in eliminations and your robot failed, congratulate yourselves, You made it farther than 90% of the other teams.
If you placed last in your regional, Congratulate yourselves, YOU made it farther than the millions of students that haven't been exposed to FIRST.
It's not the competitions that matter. Sure we spend countless hours getting ready for them and everyone wants to win, but we all win by showing up. If your robot can compete, that is the main goal. It doesn't matter if it is a 5 speed/ 7 motor shifter with anodized aluminum or a plywood box with KOP components. YOU ACHIEVED THE GOAL!
As the Cubs are famous for saying...Wait till next year!
