[EricH]

Originally Posted by Paul Copioli

For those of you not in favor of FiM, I just ask that you be careful with what you say. Unknowingly, some of you have called me, and many like me, not GP. I ask that you take a moment and think before you write.

Maybe FiM won't work. Maybe it will. I can guarantee you that the numbers for point values probably should be tweaked. There is nothing stopping that.

It is funny to me that many of you complaining are not even from Michigan. Why can't you let it play out and we can debate then. While there may be many that will force the issue after the season, there are many more of us that will take a factual look at how it actually worked. Believe it or not, the evil FiM folks do care about GP (there are over 5 WFFA winners that are part of FiM) and about teams. Retention is at the top of the priority list.

Paul, if something is going to affect us, or has the potential to affect us, we want to know about it. We want to make it as good as it can be before it gets to us. I'm certain you would too.

Also, the guarantee that the point values should be tweaked-- is that supposed to read "We'll tweak them" or "We think they should be tweaked, but it's not going to happen this year"? Those are the two readings that I can see, and it could go a long way towards slowing down this thread if you clarified which you meant.

If the point values that Beth posted are the true, final ones, what does that say about FiM? If FIRST decided to copy the FiM structure for Championship qualifications, what would that say about FIRST? Actions speak louder than words.

Here is my honest opinion: FiM has the right idea with regards to competition structure and prices. I don't think anyone can argue that until after the season. However, here is what can be argued:

• The point structure to get to the State Championship. Right now, it says one thing. Most of FIRST would rather it said something different.
• The "secrecy" surrounding how the concept came up and was introduced. That's in the past now, but if this concept spreads, it'll be an open question once again.
• The apparent unresponsiveness of FiM. What would happen if FIRST chose to appear as unresponsive as FiM appears to be now? I bet that a lot of people would be very upset.

Now, I'm going to assume that the Michigan pilot works out and is continued. Right now, I think that's a reasonable assumption. AS OF NOW, I would like to see the point values change. I may see something later to change, but I hope not.