Is the qualification match robot randomizer really "random"

[Rich Kressly]

I thought the "big names" had every bit as tough a road through the qualifications as anyone. Sean's post shows that pretty well. Second, not only is the algorithm not a secret, it's entire testing and development is well documented right here on CD. Third, I thought our (1712) schedule was a lot more balanced this year than it was last year. Last year, because the algorithm was way too stringent, we wound up with a "big name/low number" partner in nearly every match. Thanks to the help of 272, 341, etc we had a great match record in Philly last year. This year we only saw top tier partners a few times and it certainly made our road to Saturday afternoon a lot more difficult, but albeit more fair.

You also need to realize that if you desire to win, you'll have to best the "top tier" anyway. Eight of us on 1712 spent our entire lunch break repairing a claw just for the privelege of going up against the 103 alliance - and I do consider it a privelege.

Next, be careful as to what you perceive about teams and their funding. This is a year when 357 lost a major sponsor. Ask 272 about their major funding and they'll point to a tune up FLL event they run to fund a regional entry fee. All of the time and energy spent on that event takes away time that could be spent on prototyping for the season. 103 seems to be a juggernaut with their number of events and facilities, etc but if you talk to their leadership you'll find two people that started the team with absolutely nothing some 10-11 years ago in the middle of the woods. Every relationship and piece of hardware that exists in Kintnersville is because of hard work and persistence.

Even suggesting that something is "fixed" here is truly unfounded. With a 44 team event (very small) a match schedule with 6 on the field at a time can only look so many different ways.

-Rich