[Wayne TenBrink]

I still hope to see 216 and 858 at State. They are both great teams.

Between this thread and others, the subject has generated a lot of discussion. It doesn't appear that FiM has much (any) leeway within the current rules. Therefore, I fully support FiM sticking to the existing rules (which everybody understood going in) and letting the chips fall where where they will.

FiM is a great development and we owe a lot to those who made it possible. We all need to support their decisions, policies, and rules. It would open pandora's box if they made special arrangements outside of the existing rules at this (or any) point.

If they decide to revise the rules in the future, that is up to them. I would support a ban on 3rd event teams receiving any judged awards. I would also support holding back a few "wild card" slots for this or some other "judges award" type situation. But that's not where we are today.

I think it is unfair imply that any qualified team has any "GP" obligation to give up a slot that they earned. Luck always plays a role and it cuts both ways. Suggesting that "carried" teams "know who they are" does nobody any good, and it only serves to tarnish their accomplishments (but only if they let it - don't!). Team 1918 was on a successful alliance and we certainly didn't carry anybody. Every partner on the alliance knew their roles and carried them out. Thats how anybody wins in this game.

Congratulations to all the teams going to State. It's likely to be the best competition you'll ever see! See you there.