[ALIBI]

There is no doubt that the definition of a robot is pretty much not defined. Actually, I could not find ROBOT defined in the definitions. I will be interested to see what the GDC replys with. The example in <R12> illustrates a basic drive train platform with two versions of game piece manipulators, not two distinct drive train platforms. Besides, <R12> deals with weight, not the basic robot. <R09> specifies ONE ROBOT. As soon as you move the RC from one basic drive train platform to another basic drive train, you have created "TWO ROBOTS". The officials are powerless to make any formal rulings on your robot design until the regional actually starts and you bring your robot for inspection. Regardless, you still have the option to choose one or the other for the entire regional which in itself is a good plan. If your more robust drive train with the manipulator was an attachment to your smaller speedster, I would have said you were OK, as long as your speedster stayed attached to the larger drive train while competing. You would then have been able to detach the larger drive train/manipulator from your speedster and used only the speedster if you wanted. I do commend you for your effort.

EDIT: If you were permitted to do this, what would keep teams from puting a half dozen robots in their crate and then deciding which robot(s) they bring to the inspection station? Or, if they find out that the one or two they chose don't work well, then return to the inspection station with something totally different after a couple of practice matches?

Part of me does agree with Jason, there is no clear definition of ROBOT and since this appears to be an isolated case, you should have at least been given the benefit of a doubt this season.