Competition and GP aren't the most natural fit, but they aren't mutually exclusive either. In order to compete effectively, it is necessary to do and say things that are, let's say GP-neutral. As long as your strategy is not to intentionally (or probably) break the rules I wouldn't say it is against GP.
In previous years, being a defense-only bot was a viable and necessary part of general "every match" strategy. This year I do not think that "all-defense, all-match, every-match" is a good strategy for a team to have and I would go so far as to say it is a bad strategy considering the lap points that are easily available for any robot with a working drive train. Sure there are occasions where you are against an elite hurdler (4-5 potential) when spending all match on them is the optimal strategy. IMHO a "lap and tap" approach is better for general matches. Focus on points from laps and play opportunistic defense. The faster you move, the more opportunities for quick defensive maneuvers while racking up the lap points.
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Originally Posted by martin417
I may have overstated my position on defense. The strategies mentioned above are all legal, and I don't have a problem with them as far as they go. However, I saw much more aggressive defensive strategies, one particular incident stands out (because it happened to us). A team rammed our bot while it was attempting to knock a ball from the overpass, causing the bot to tilt and lift it's wheels from the ground, they then backed up a few feet and waited. Every time the bot was able to disengage from the overpass, they ran forward again, ramming the bot and entangling it in the overpass. This was repeated no less than 3 times. The other bot never attempted to score during the match, it merely sat and waited for our bot to free itself from the overpass. To me, this is a blatant violation of <G37>
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In regards to damaging robots, it is an unfortunate reality in any game and is usually unintentional. Many teams/drivers will even apologize for major damage in the heat of competition or offer to help you fix your robot. That is GP off the field that you don't see on the field. Please consider these actions before letting your initial impressions harden.
The infractions you are describing are among the worst I have seen/heard this year (and I watch many competitions) although they are not uncommon in previous more defensive games. I would encourage you to visit the Championships in Atlanta for at least Saturday in order to see a different perspective on how teams play this game.