[EStokely]

I think that the discussion has merit, regardless of how individuals feel about the game.

But...
IMHO, we can't have a absolutely level playing field. Not with each and every team starting from scratch. Even two rookie teams are not neccesarily even when they start based on who is on their team.

But I believe the GDC really threw us all a great curve to deal with. In essence we all have the same drive. I don't recall a past game where that has happened. And we all know how important drives are, and a vet team will have an advantage on carpet.

So really I think they have just made a game that, so far, has been surprisingly fun to work with.
And in the end, after the game has been played and robots put out to pasture, it wasn't about the machines, but the students, FIRST (what it stands for) and the relationships that mentors are trying to build.

Hopefully you will dig the game and see a rookie take the prize in Atlanta.