hmm this sure shows some cause for alarm. The teams we have had already spent more than a decent 5 digit sum on vex parts over the last few years.
Besides the point, a slightly more open relaxed restriction on materials (like metal bars, etc) would be great. Like we would all be limited to using vex electrical system and motor count limit, but we should be able to use our own alu/steel plates and bars. Makes no sense to keep purchasing overpriced metal.
If better motors and gears are provided as an upgrade option, I'm all out for it coz the current inventory does limit ones' possible designs. A wider range of sensors and better rotational encoders would be great too. Remember seeing low cost encoders around USD$30 each .. provides greater resolution too. Another possible thing would be mountable potentiometers and long range (1m?) IR rangefinders.
I hope the WiFi link does support computer communication. How about Ethernet?
My embedded x86 platforms are rotting on the shelves.