2004 Electrical Component Rule Rationale

[phrontist]

Does anyone know what the rationale behind the follow rule was? Would anyone care to speculate on whether we'll see it's return?

<R71>Additional electronic components for use on the robot must be currently available from or equivalent to those available from Newark InONe (http://www.newarkinone.com), Future Active (http://future-active.com), Radio SHack (http://www.radioshack.com) or Digi-key Corporation (http://www.digikey.com). Additional electronic components include any object that conducts electricity other than IFI relays and voltage controllers, wires, connectors and solder. The total catalogue value of additional electronic components must not exceed $300.00 USD. This cost is counted as part of the $3,500 limit. No single electronic component shall have a catalogue value of over $100.00 USD.