[IKE]

First the robot.
Using the kit chassis and a little extra you can make a pretty nice robot that will compete quite well in about 1 week (seriously). My point here is there is still time.

On to the team.

Sounds like you may have achieved over critical mass on the "its cool to do as little as possible crowd". If this is the issue, than consider this behavior a cancer that needs to be dealt with accordingly. 4 or 5 years ago we had to do this and haven't seen a resurrgence since.

Another possible issue could be that your team just has a general lack of understanding. I just started working with a Rookie team that just really needed a spark. With a little work, they are fired up and starting to get things going. They now have a kit chassis going, and a solid design they are working towards. Spirit and involvement are up. (if you think this is the case, PM me and we can discuss some strategies).

Personally if it was me, I would have a heart to heart with the "team leaders". These would be the most experienced and most dedicated team members. Explain to them the options you told us. Possibly engage a couple of the parents and/or faculty.