My 02c

[jasoni]

I had almost the exact same concept for the game this year. I figured 2v2 rather than 3v3, but the gameplay wouldn't change.

My reasoning was as follows: Dean has openly expressed his discontent with BattleBots, et al, and FIRST has been growing increasingly intolerant of contact between competitors. Last year, in order to resolve the issue, they went with a 1-team format. Argueably, it was a failure, and there are indications FIRST is going back to a head-to-head style. My theory was 2v2, with some kind of barrier between the two alliances, like the shelving theory. Scoring would involve the barrier, but it would be physically impossible for the teams to get roughed up.

I really think this type of field is HIGHLY likely.

I do disagree with the "secret color" aspect. I think FIRST got more than an earful from competitors and spectators alike about difficulty scoring on the fly. From a spectators point of view, being kept in the dark at a sporting-type event is about the worst way to get people involved.