Quick Exhaust Valves - Illegal !?!?

[sanddrag]

I am extremely disappointed and frustrated by this Q/A ruling: https://frc-qa.usfirst.org/Question/...-per-rule-77-f

I'd argue that quick-exhaust valves are flow control valves under R77-H, because what they do as a function is control flow. They divert the flow of air from one port to another. They are a commercially produced, readily available, pressure-rated component. Okay, maybe it isn't what FIRST means by flow control (with the little knob to slow down the flow of air) but still, what's the harm?

What's the reasoning for ruling them illegal? Making quick-exhaust valves illegal completely invalidates SO many innovative designs, and limits students' exploration of the physics concepts behind pneumatic systems.

What's the history on the legality of these in years past?

Really hoping they reverse this ruling. Until then, we are out hundreds of dollars, and now redesigning our launcher....