Radio 12V to 5V converter

[DavisC]

So, how important exactly is this? Cause we obviously missed the part about the new Radio hook-up method and setup the robot with no converter and actually used it like that for the entire season. Even at the competition because the Inspectors didn't realize it (too busy worrying about holes that were dull but they liked to call sharp).
So what issues might stem from running the robot for so long like this?

Thanks