AHH! Not returning to FIRST!

[KarenH]

Originally Posted by JVN

Easier competition to win? What? Why would FIRST want to do that?

...One of the goals of FIRST has always been growth, so it makes sense that they would want to see NEW participants involved.

Having gained experience with the VEX robots from a recent team fundraiser, I would say that the "easier" part definitely applies to building the robots. Funding is definitely easier. Teams can concentrate more on playing the game, and won't need a 6-week build period.

Less work, less time, less technical know-how, less money needed--these add up to an entry-level competition in which ANY school should be able to participate.

While showing up for the VEX competition with a working robot should be much easier than in FRC, winning the competition may actually be trickier, especially with a "level playing field." Driver skill will become the deciding factor, I think.

VEX should also be easier for FIRST to support; they won't have to come up with a new KOP every year, for instance.