Lifting robot without pyramid contact now illegal

[AllenGregoryIV]

The GDC just reversed several previous Q&A responses regarding lifting robots for climb points.

Q97

We have revised the answer to this question because, after further discussion, we agree that the answer above does in fact conflict with the Game Manual and the intent of the language in the Game Manual. Please accept our apologies. 1) No, per Section 3.1.5.2, in order for a ROBOT to have CLIMBED the PYRAMID, it must contact the PYRAMID in the Levels in sequential order during ascent. In this example Robot B contacted Level 0, but not the PYRAMID in Levels 1 and 2 as it ascended and is therefore not eligible for CLIMB points.

Q98

The answer to Q97 has been reversed and is now “No.” In this particular scenario, if Robot B did not contact the PYRAMID in Level 1 during its ascent it is not eligible for CLIMB points.

To count as a legal climb you must touch the pyramid in order. This is how most people read the rule initially but they had ruled the other way, until today.

[Siri]

Originally Posted by AllenGregoryIV

The GDC just reversed several previous Q&A responses regarding lifting robots for climb points.

Q97


Q98


To count as a legal climb you must touch the pyramid in order. This is how most people read the rule initially but they had ruled the other way, until today.

Their rulings from last week indicated that one could receive credit for levels

A) attained a height via support other than that of the PYRAMID directly
and/or
B) did not remain in contact with the PYRAMID at all times.

The revised answers do not indicate which of these factors are against the "intent of the language in the Game Manual", but none of the Q&A rulings had ever indicated that you did not have to touch levels in order--the question has always been how many levels you had to touch in order. It is not clear based on the changed ruling whether A or B, or both, were at issue. I've submitted Q225 in an effort to clarify what violated the intent.

[JamesCH95]

It seems clear to me that the intent is for each robot to climb the pyramid on its own and not be hoisted up. That strikes me as more dangerous for both robots involved.

[efoote868]

Now if you hoist someone up, you need to "bang" them against the pyramid.

[MisterG]

Originally Posted by efoote868

Now if you hoist someone up, you need to "bang" them against the pyramid.

This

[Spr414]

I am rather curious as the manual did not mention nor address this situation, how do you use the ropes to remove a robot from the third level of the pyramid if it climbs from the corner? Is this even legal?

[Mark McLeod]

Originally Posted by Spr414

I am rather curious as the manual did not mention nor address this situation, how do you use the ropes to remove a robot from the third level of the pyramid if it climbs from the corner? Is this even legal?

You will be directed at each event by the FTA on how the belay will be handled for the inside climbers, outside climbers, as well as the corner climbers.

[Spr414]

Thanks for your help!

[Alan Anderson]

Keep in mind that the ropes are not used to remove robots from the pyramid, and "you" will not use them. They are to be used by field personnel, as a safety measure only, to help prevent injury in case a team loses hold of a high-climbing robot while removing it from the pyramid.

[Siri]

Originally Posted by JamesCH95

It seems clear to me that the intent is for each robot to climb the pyramid on its own and not be hoisted up. That strikes me as more dangerous for both robots involved.

If so, what would the purpose of G33 be?
A ROBOT may only be supported (fully or partially) by another ROBOT if one of the ROBOTS is in contact with a PYRAMID.

The Q&A has changed both the hoisting and the ramping answers.

[JamesCH95]

Originally Posted by Siri

If so, what would the purpose of G33 be?
A ROBOT may only be supported (fully or partially) by another ROBOT if one of the ROBOTS is in contact with a PYRAMID.

The Q&A has changed both the hoisting and the ramping answers.

Rhetorical question is rhetorical

It would seem that ramping/hoisting is possibly legal.

[FrankJ]

The rules say the robot must touch the zones in order. Nothing about support or even being in contact with the pyramid at all times. Ramping / hoisting is still legal. So you still can lift another robot or two as long as they touch each zone in order on the way up.

[efoote868]

Originally Posted by Grim Tuesday

To go back to the original topic of the thread, I think it is unbelievable that the GDC would choose to change their answers rather than the manual five weeks into the build season. Clearly teams have based major design decisions off these answers -- and if the answers can be changed at will almost three weeks after they were asked, what is the point of asking or answering any questions at all?

Seems like they need to start adding to their posts the standard CD disclaimer, "Answers to questions found on this forum are not official until after whatever competition you may attend or after IRI, and may be changed without warning. Only the official most recent GDC ruling may be interpreted as rules, and documentation must be provided if questioned at an event."

[RufflesRidge]

Originally Posted by Grim Tuesday

To go back to the original topic of the thread, I think it is unbelievable that the GDC would choose to change their answers rather than the manual five weeks into the build season. Clearly teams have based major design decisions off these answers -- and if the answers can be changed at will almost three weeks after they were asked, what is the point of asking or answering any questions at all?

You know the OP posted this nearly 3 weeks ago right?

[Grim Tuesday]

Originally Posted by RufflesRidge

You know the OP posted this nearly 3 weeks ago right?

Not until you mentioned it, my apologies. Must week five!