[EricH]

Originally Posted by AdamHeard

Why were they legal the last 4 seasons then? I agree with your reasoning, but there was a separate rule that allowed them I beleive.

<R36> comes the closest. Why: It can be argued that it is a COTS mechanism (e.g., the handle could be removed and replaced without damage (I think--correct me if I'm wrong)). While it is not commercially available anymore, <R36> covered that. Let's go through the conditions:
--Unmodified and in original condition.
--Not custom made for FRC and provided in the KOP. (While they were KOP items, they weren't custom for FRC.)
--Satisfy all rules (that aren't <R36>) for the year.

If it passes all of them, it's legal for the 2008 season.

It remains to be seen whether or not this will change in 2009.