[AdamHeard]

You may have the resources, but keep in mind there is a lot more to a robot than a base.

If you can make the base that performs the same for 40 units of weight, and 10 units of work as one that is 30 units of weight and 100 units of work, the first is probably a better option. It looks like with this design concept, you can get a competitively light and strong base in short amount of time, don't try to go to far and shoot yourself in the foot. Use that nice start to get a decent base done for sure, which will free up machining resources and allow assembly and test to begin sooner.