Two suggestions I might make to solve both he Media Issue and my take on the 4 team alliance.
1. Why not just give out a badge saying "+1" or "Extra" instead of labeling a badge "Media". These people could still be used as media, but can also be scouts, mechanics or coaches. I think this would solve the problem of people going out on to the field. Personally, i don't cre if you have a media badge on the field as long as i see a camera.
2. The 4 Team Alliance would be awesome, You can switch out teams as needed. there are so many different types of robots and various strategies during the competition that i cannot see 3 robots that would be ideal on a alliance in ALL of these situations. I'll just wait until a team does it with three and then worry about imposing a rule of some sort.
while we're on the topic of strategy, Wouldn't it be nice if the #1 alliance could pick which alliance from #5-#8 they wanted to play. sometimes that #8 alliance can be scary to go up against (I know this year it wasn't, but it previous years it has been). The #2, #3 and #4 would follow the same process. I also think reseeding after the 1st round would be something FIRST could look into. here is an example why
Quote:
1--------3--------2
8---8---------7---7
-------8 v 3 -------
4---4---------3---3
5-----------------6
|
I think it would have been fair for the 3 alliance to face the 8 alliance in the semi's and then face the winner of the 4/7 matchup in the finals (The 7 alliance gave the 3 alliance a tougher fight in the semi's at FL).