2004 Electrical Component Rule Rationale

[phrontist]

Originally Posted by sanddrag

It is so a team cannot go out and buy a "Flux Capacitor" and have a huge advantage.

EDIT: I actaully like the 2004 rule because it has the "or equivalent to those available from" part that was not inlcuded in the 2003 rule.

Right, I understand they don't want teams gaining an advantage by purchasing magical parts, but that's what the cost limit is for! If the cost limit is enough to ensure equality as far as mechanical components go, why isn't it enough for electrical components?!

Therefore the "unfair advantage" arguement doesn't make sense, as it's internally inconsistent with other FIRST rules.

UPDATE:
If these companies have generously supported FIRST, and this is FIRST's way of returning the favor, I see no problem with it. I just wish I knew why specifically we've been restricted to certain arbitrary component suppliers.