[smurfgirl]

The GDC has not "failed us" by any means. They have created a new challenge for 2009, which is indeed a challenge to all of us. It pushes us outside our comfort zone and forces us to think creatively, and to reconsider things that in the past, we have taken for granted. Yes, this is hard to do. No, it does not make us rookies again. But, when is the playing field ever truly "level"? This year, veteran teams still have seasons of experience and knowledge behind them; even if they don't have their custom wheels and perfect drivetrains, they still have all of the learning and wisdom that has come with years of facing new challenges in this program. FIRST is still FIRST, no matter which season we're talking about, and these veteran teams are going to help out the rookies around them, and pass on some of the valuable lessons they have learned. Younger teams will still be inspired by other teams, individuals, and robots. The competitions will still be full of spirit and excitement. The world is not ending in 2009, and the GDC has done no harm. (In fact, I'm sure they knew exactly what they were doing when they created this year's game.)