[FTC]: FTC 2011 - 2012 Reflection and 2012 - 2013 Speculation

[TRWSHSHLX]

Hey all,

Since the old thread was brought up, I didn't want to hijack it to talk about the upcoming season. I won't be participating in it as a student team member since I'm off to college but nevertheless it's fun and important for both the community and whoever views this thread from FIRST to see what can be improved and lastly, GUESSING NEXT YEAR'S CHALLENGE.

A few reflection questions to start off the discussion:
1. What did you think of this year's game - what did you like about it and what did you not like about it?
2. What did you think about other components of FTC that's not related to the game? Questions, comments, concerns?
3. What would you have done differently, what would you keep for future seasons?
4. How do you think rookie and veteran teams will utilize the new building system MATRIX?
5. What elements do you think will be involved in next year's game?

Any other question comments concerns would be appreciated too.

For me, the game itself was awesome as it really showed off what the MOTORS can do. However, it also showed off a few disadvantages of the TETRIX structure system - not exactly "efficient" when compared to custom aluminum square tubing, other custom materials, etc.

THANK YOU GDC to let us use all the custom materials. ALL THOSE LIFTS WOULD HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY DIFFICULT WITHOUT THEM and I believe the more compact 1/2 in. square tubing really let teams compact their designs.

Maybe the GDC didn't anticipate the lifts being that tall as at the end, nothing else really mattered but lifting the crates. Is it possible for them to make a revision during midseason to balance the game out a bit more? I know it will upset a lot of teams but at least give the other teams a chance... There are amazing teams that can go through and find all the magnetic balls but they can only score 100 points at most because of the size of the holder and by lifting one crate six feet tall can outscore all that work. I do appreciate the variety of tasks that can be accomplished to make the challenge accessible by rookies but maybe change that a bit more so more rookies can participate even more?

Samantha was improved, thank you. Yet there are instances that it fails, and I'm not talking about rookies, but veterans at world championship elimination rounds. FTC is significantly smaller than FRC but is that fair for teams that had no problem for the whole season and something "intangible" or "bad luck" prevent them from having a fair shot? I understand nothing is perfect and I encourage the whole FCS system updating and improving process to be like the FRC one so the whole community knows what's going on and have input on it.

Again, thank you for the improvement and please continue doing what you are doing.