what i see after the competition

[piconysm]

Hi everyone, I am Antonio from team 971, and we just finished our regional today. We ranked 16/49. We are a rookie and we are proud of what we did and the result of the game.
For the final round, the campionship, the top 8 teams are supposed to choose 2 other teams to compete. but our team didn't get picked. I know that they don't have to pick us, and they have their choice. But, are we that bad? Be honest to you all, we are not at all. then how could those ranked like 20 something could have been picked and we not? Did they judge it reasonably before they choose?
Probably I am wrong, but I found that many teams were giving off stuffs to sell their team. Well, I am not against this idea, but, does that help? Is the money playing game or the robot? I am kind of confuse right now. And furthermore, some teams that have money can participate in many other regionals to increase their chances to get in the final. Well, again, money game. Should this rule be cancelled?
I'm most probably wrong, but I learn. And I am still proud of my team and our robot which is made by our own hands from our own scratches. I believe our team will let this honesty and "gracious professionalism" go on. I would like to hear your opinion to correct my tilted mind. Peace for all.

AL