[4throck]

Any FIRST team based on the principles of exclusivity and winning at all costs goes against everything that FIRST stands for. Such a team would neither inspire nor motivate any student except the most selfishly ambitious. While your scheme may or may not produce a team that is successful on the field, it is not likely to produce many innovative engineers, or indeed anyone else besides mid-level managers. Rather, it would only educate participating students in the priciples of groupthink, kowtowing to the status quo, and a static conception of what constitutes innovation. Just because someone can sell an idea to a board of directors (i.e. an oligarchy) does not mean that they have anything useful to say. Such a team would only perpetuate passive conformity and suppress truly creative thinking.

We at 1418 have always strongly condemned any application process for our members. This has not only resulted in success on the field, but also in true inspiration. Our alumni have graduated from our program with a passion for discovery and a willingness to break the mold to find the best solution to a problem. Part of the reason for this has been our philosophical emphasis on content before appearance. A mere presentation of intent does not consitute a viable solution to any problem. No matter how slick a speil a student can put on a piece of paper, in the end it is the process of construction that defines the robot. This should be a learning process emphasizing collaboration and personal development before personal glory.

In the end, you have to ask yourself whether FIRST is about shutting people out, or teaching, including, and encouraging everyone who is ready to put in the hours and has something productive to contribute.

--Commander Rachek and 4throck