[EdwardP]

I think what will happen is the game will turn in to all the teams bunched up on the side by the outposts trying to prevent EC collection. If there are really only 18 Moon rocks in play (how I read it, could be 3 per robot starting loaded...), one team per alliance will start with 7 in their robot, because I think they meant to, but didn't change that rule. That robot will score its 7, the human player will be even more important as it will be essential that the HP scores the 2 moon rocks that don't go into the alliances "scoring robot". From there it will come down to getting those EC through and not letting your opponent do the same.

If any team has an EC auto mode they will likely be dominant...
(EDIT: not that it would be too difficult for a team to set up counter auto modes to stop whatever teams do this...)

I think it is kind of unfortunate how they do the second alliance partner selection, as 177 will tell you the third pick can often be just as or more important than the first... (less so in regionals, but it is still very important)

In all, very interesting rules, creating a very unique experience...

... just my thoughts...