Reports coming back from FVC regionals have indicated that all teams are not using EasyC v2.0 on their robots. :ahh:
FVC teams are also not taking advantage of Intelitek’s discounted upgrade to EasyC v2.0. 
FVC teams please note that the FVC competition template is only available in EasyC v2.0 and is not backwards compatible.
Teams make upgrading to EasyC v2.0 part of your pre-competition check list now, or you’ll be scrambling to rewrite your code at the competition.
Arthur,
I would refer you to this thread. I would be interested in seeing where in the rules or posted questions we are limited to easyC as a programming language.
I’m not saying that the rule does not exist… I am unable to find it.
Regards,
Mike
Mike,
EasyC is not the only option as you’ve noted. If your team is experienced enough to use MPLab, then use it. Your code must still comply with competition template.
The problem is that inexperienced teams are not using the competition template. and their robots will not work with the field control correctly. Several teams had to rewrite code the morning of the event. Not a fun way to pass inspection and start your competition day.
A more accurate statement would be - If using EasyC for FVC version 2.0 is mandatory.
Sorry for any confusion. 
Arthur,
Thank you for the clarification.
I’m struggling to keep my hands off the VEX and let the students run with the design. I’ve left it up to them as to which programming language to use. However, I have made it clear that I consider C to be the superior path (for a number of reasons).
Once again, Thanks.
Mike
Mike,
There is no rule in the manual. Easy C is included with the Vex Robot, hence the references toward it. FIRST has put this note on the FVC Resources page in the EasyC V2 Upgrade Offer.
“In order to successfully compete in the autonomous portion of the FIRST Vex Challenge game, “Half-Pipe Hustle” you MUST upgrade to easyC version 2.”
If the team is using Easy C, they must upgrade from version 1.1 to version 2, or their robot will not run at the competition. This happened at the St. Louis tournament.
MPLab can also be used to program the robot, and is discussed in the FIRST Vex Forums:
http://forums.usfirst.org/showpost.php?p=184
http://forums.usfirst.org/showpost.php?p=185
http://forums.usfirst.org/showpost.php?p=226
MPLab Downloads and instructions for installing it are located here:
http://www.vexlabs.com/vex-robotics-downloads.shtml
Hope this helps, Mike!
However, I have made it clear that I consider C to be the superior path (for a number of reasons).
If you’re an experienced programmer this may be true, but after working with version 2.0 it’s a big improvement over version 1.1.
We’re working on some other new projects that we’ll post when we can. You might be surprised what can be done with EasyC. 
Slightly unrelated:
My team does not have the programming module yet. Does this mplab stuff come with it? Is the way you code for the Vex stuff the same as with the “normal” first robots? Are there online manuals about the robot funtions someplace?
You can purchase mplab, cbot compiler, and ifi loader, along with a prototype programming cable from www.vexlabs.com for $99. You need to email them as it’s not a listed item on their website. This is just like programming the “normal” FIRST robots. If you go this route, please note that the programming module is a pc board, you’ll need to mount it in a plastic hobby box to keep the magic smoke in the module. It’s the same price as the Radio Shack programming module, but then you also need to add $25 for your upgrade to EasyC v2.0 through Intelitek. If you use EasyC v2.0 there is a manual here. I’m not sure of any manuals for FVC using mplabs.