[vivek16]

My opinion:

If it is absolutely necessary, I would do the merger but come back as 2065 in another year when you do have the funds. You still have a month to come up with funds. Beg your school administration for funds. A loan could even work.

The point of FIRST is to Inspire. I believe you can still do that with a merger. I personally, would be a lot more inspired if I had to work for something than if it was handed to me. FIRST is meant to get you ready for the real world. Try to acquire the funds on your own. Make your goal to have your own team. If you do not have the funds, you can fall back on the merger.

Just my .02,

-Vivek

EDIT: Don't let your team slack off and do the merger since it is the easy way out. That is the coward's way of doing it.