[EricH]

Dave, I have never known it to be illegal to get spare parts. Should FIRST outlaw buying spare parts, I for one will most likely quit.

Should a second robot for practice indeed become illegal (which, may I point out, is a virtually unenforceable rule, other than by the honor code), then many a team could be doubly handicapped-- short Thursdays for practice, no practice at the build site, and it'll be hard to plan needed adjustments. Admittedly, should the bagging system go to all events, then the above paragraph is a moot point, as teams have 8 hours to practice/repair/adjust with their robot there.