Dangerous precedent set by Q&A 461: Loaning Parts/Assemblies to other teams

[Cory]

Originally Posted by efoote868

Should a team in the future be allowed to show up at a regional with just a functioning drive base, be completely non-competitive the entire regional then expect to be the last pick of the #1 alliance because the overall #1 team can outfit them with all the parts needed to be the niche player they need?

Or keeping with the analogy, is showing up with a spring-form pan and having someone else bake your cheesecake at the last minute and then winning the baking competition because the best chef was able to put their pre-made dessert in your pan exactly how they wanted, in the spirit of competition?


Seems it is unfair to any other participant, and is exactly why FIRST has to try so hard to define what a VENDOR is.

Both of those things are huge gambles, but there's nothing inherently wrong with it. I do not think that's the most likely scenario though.

There are teams we've worked with before that we know are very willing to do whatever is needed for them to help better the alliance, even if that means removing scoring mechanisms so they can focus on defense, or making other additions to their robot to become a role player on the alliance. Those aren't hopelessly incompetent teams that we've picked because we know we can railroad them into making whatever changes we want...those are teams with solid drivetrains, good coaching, and an ability to communicate well with our driveteam on the field...that may not have been able to score effectively.