I don't think being a rookie team has any effect on the programmers

[HashemReza]

Originally Posted by FRC4ME

What concerns me about many of the veteran frameworks going around is that they take a "black box" strategy; rather than showing rookies how to do it, they try to remove the need for a rookie to learn how to do it.

If that is the case, then I completely understand your reservations. In fact, I share them.

There is a clear difference between what I am talking about with regards to the original Kit of Parts (which is what I thought the OP was originally talking about), and Rookies using intense frameworks put out by Vets.

If the OP was talking about veteran teams putting out those frameworks, then I apologize. I personally feel as though that's along the lines of cheating, unless someone takes the time to go through and understand the framework given. Actually, if a rookie coder is able to go through and understand a framework it could very well help them along in their learning process, causing them to ask more questions, and find more answers.

Originally Posted by sircedric4

What if the team has no one with any programming experience? What if they don't know what a do loop or an if-then statement is? What if they have no idea what an API is, or if they don't understand what a object oriented programming structure means?

In this case, I would completely understand the use of a framework. This is one of those subjects where it is difficult to come to a definite conclusion. There is a fine line between a resource allowing someone to compete, and being "too helpful" and staunching the learning process.

EDIT:

Also, to your question OP, I would define it as such: If you can consider a team sustainable from year to year, it is a veteran.