[AndyB]

Also keep in mind that in the real world, you may be put into a situation as a project leader or engineer where you must work with limited resources. It just adds another aspect to problem solving. Not only do you have to work your way around it, like you would in real life, but it also forces you to communicate alternative designs as well.

FIRST is all about preparing young people for careers in STEM and business. I find it hard to believe that you will never ever run into a situation where you have limited supplies, you can't get spares of something, or you have to make multiple design choices which allow interfacing with more than one part (ie Motors.)

Life ain't always beautiful, but its a beautiful ride...