Why are they showing us how to build a chasis?

[Eugenia Gabrielov]

I understand how you feel, Leav, that things are a bit exciting right now. I'm sure a lot of possibilities were considered before deciding to present that knowledge at kickoff. However, a lot of rookie teams haven't even met before. Their FIRST season is the build season and competition. Nothing more. It's hard for me to relate because my team does a good deal of education and demos during the fall, but this may be the only time that they learn to make an effective "base" so to speak.

[Tom Bottiglieri]

Don't jump to conclusions.

While it may look like a piece of cake putting that chassis together, I'm sure many people will have troubles. You should be glad FIRST is giving us these things and showing us how to use them. This may help level the playing field, and rookies will be able to be more competitive.

This also helps veterans. For example, you may think that the scripted programming feature makes it easy to program. There is still a TON of potential in being able to change the back end to that scripting program. FIRST is simply taking a great idea, that is used in the real world, and making it available to everyone.

my $.02

[Xufer]

This scripting feature is goign to add alot of functionality to the machines for the veterans aswell as alow the rookies to have a well designed autonomous mode, without too much hassle. First did a good job making it easier for rookies and more challegening for those of us who have been doing this for ever!