[waialua359]

In 2006, I thought autonomous was worth too much. The outcome of matches could be determined a lot from it, especially if there was a great disparity between teams.
2007 was much better in being important, but not letting teams get blown away in the beginning.
2005 was worthless during autonomous mode in trying to get the vision tetras which very little no. of teams could do and had very little effect towards the outcome of matches. I went to a regional where I didnt see it scored at all for the entire weekend.

I'd bet that autonomous would be similar to that of 2007 last year. Just right.
I'd also bet that some kind of bonus scoring will happen at the end of matches which could affect outcomes of matches much like 2007 again.
Every year had a new twist. 2007 had robots stacking on each other (which was never done before). I hope to see one day where the human player has as much as an important role as the drivers of the robot. That would be a twist I think many have not considered.

And finally, I dont think the game hints in the past were of much use. Using 2006 and 07 as examples, it did very little to help teams get a headstart in brainstorming ideas ahead of build season leading to building a better robot. Thus I ask, "Should game hints be more easily solved and helpful for teams prior to build season?" Only time will tell this 2008 season.
We look at the clues as amusement purposes only.