[Adam Y.]

Originally Posted by Molten

Lavery has spoken. I do not think that the costs rising are our's to worry about. If you can't afford it, then find a different competition. If my team can't afford it... We will probably look into battlebots or one of the many other robotics competitions to choose from. I do not question the grocer over the price of milk. I buy it, or I go elsewhere. Why should this be different? FIRST is a great organization, but it is not like it does not have competitors.

How is Battlebots cheaper unless you go for the smaller robots?

As a FLL team parent, an FTC team sponsor, and FRC team participant, I must admit to cocking an eyebrow at the notion that the costs associated with participation in some programs may be influenced more by a sweetheart deal with one specific supplier than they are by the justifiable costs of running the program. If such a situation should exist, as it has been reported that FIRST has indicated, then I would be abandoning my duties to protect the pencuniary health of my team if I did not seek to fully understand the reasons why this situation may (or may not) exist.

If we had more proof I would be singing a different tune but right now all we have is "non denials" and an anonyomous poster. Right now the best I can admit to is saying that there can be multiple reasons why.