Robot Rule R08 - what does it mean, and what should it mean?

[Rich Kressly]

I think you already said it best.

1. Don't damage the field.
2. Don't have metal intentionally on/or frequently contacting the playing surface so number 1 doesn't happen.
3. to mean the "traction advantage" part is secondary to the above two items. If I want a traction/friction advantage there are plenty of materials you can turn to anyway.

In fact, I don't think I'd even bother stating anything about metal on the playing surface if I were to write the rule (in many games it's almost entirely unenforceable anyway). I'd simply go for - "don't damage the playing field ... you may be asked to modify/change stuff if what you have is found to be a potential hazard to the field." (or something like that.