[MikeReilly]

I completely agree with the emphasis and opportunity on GP, and helping out other teams. But going beyond the thoughts of this years game, looking backwards at the past few years, a no show would still be an effect on a team.

We were fortunate enough to win when down a robot at least once during a regional, while our mentors were STILL trying to fix the bot that did not show.

But despite the best intention of offering assistance (and professionalism is not just offering assistance, but asking for it before the last minute), machines will still break, etc. For example, 20 minutes before Curie began, and we were the first match, our 120 breaker literally broke! You can imagine the scramble.

Imagining this was last year's game, at least our alliance would have had a rabbit to do laps, etc. if subbing were allowed.

I truly believe in the "I" in FIRST, and do this as an educator, I don't know squat about the engineering. I don't see the educational value in this lack of reality, when something that can be addressed is not. Yes, GP to help and ask for help, but I think there's more to it.