"Random" match Schedules

[GaryVoshol]

It appears that neither the new nor the old algorithm are random, but are different versions of controled permutations of team assignments. There is still seeding based on team number. The first step is to divide the team list into 3 pools by increasing team number. Then to create each alliance, a team is selected from each pool, although assignment to Red or Blue appears to be random. Each alliance always has one team from the lowest third of numbers, one from the middle, and one from the top. The old algorithm stressed maximum separation between matches, which created the maximum number of repeat partners and opponents. The new algorithm has relaxed that separation a bit, but it appears that smaller regionals with fewer matches per round still hit up against the limits.

The biggest mistake, in my opinion, was decision to create the 3 pools in the first place. It completely eliminates the possibility of super-strong alliances consisting of all long-term veterans, which is probably the intent. For example, there could never have been an alliance of 33, 67 and 70 at GLR - regardless of how well those teams did or didn't perform. This penalizes teams that are in the lowest-numbered third that do not happen to have a strong robot that year. We all know there are teams that go through rotations of personnel, or have a fatal design flaw that isn't discovered until it's too late to correct, or don't perform as well as usual due to any number of reasons. Worse, this gives an extreme advantage to great performing teams in the 2nd or 3rd pool, who are now always paired with a veteran.

I hope they come up with something different for Atlanta, because almost everyone who comes to the Championship can be considered a veteran, or at least should be a well-performing team. Even the rookies that get there because they were in a winning alliance, or because they are Rookie All-Stars, deserve to be considered equal competitors.