[RRLedford]

If we assume the direction of "expand" - "retract" - "expand" remained exclusively in a vertical direction, without the 60" height limit ever being exceeded, then I think this would be legal. The "NO" answer seems related to any horizontal expansion, where I am also confused.
Can a robot have an initially small size NON-articulated frame scheme with bumpers mounted and then have something swing out horizontally above & beyond the top of the bumper, but NOT extending beyond the 28" x 38" horizontal limits? I think the answer is: NO, because the bumpers could no longer offer protection for this member protruding beyond them above 16", and it would also pose a danger to other robots by jabbing into their upper structures above their bumpers.

The vertical expansion should be be allowed. What if I want to drive through tunnels earlier in the match and then grow the bot vertically to 60" at some point prior to the end of match, so that it is closer to the tower bar when the full expansion period finally starts. It can save me some time by already being at the 60" point, compared to reaching the bar from the smaller tunnel compatible size.

-RRLedford