Eight Alliances on Einstein?

[Natchez]

How's this for another crazy idea from the South ... let's have eight alliances on Einstein! BUT here is how the eight alliances would make it to Einstein. Four would earn their way, as in the past, by winning the four divisional playoffs. The other four alliances would be made up of the top seeds from each division. The divisional top seeds would have the opportunity to decline the Einstein alliance and be part of the divisional playoffs. Basically, the top seeds, starting with the #1 seed, would be invited to join the Divisional Einstein Alliance until three teams accepted.

This would award the top seeds AND make for more matches in front of 15,000 fans. This would also, theoretically, make some powerhouse alliances (top seeds) and create some underdogs (divisional champs).

If you are a logistics guru and are worried about the extra time, I think that you would find folks in favor of watching more matches in lieu of going to the wrap party. Finally, I'd give the Divisional Einstein Alliance members a nice trophy and blue banner. The more blue banners hanging in schools, the more exposure robotics education receives.

Back to the nut farm,
Lucien