Because I’m only a second year member of FIRST I have been able to make many indifferent observations about the way competitions are being run. My frame of reference does not retain information based on FIRST in the past. Therefore my ideas are clear, practical, and unmarked by what has been deemed “how FIRST has changed.” Last year was my first time at nationals, and I definately noticed overcrowding. A competition at the national level should only have qualifying teams participating as an initiative to obtain that privilage of competeing in Disney World. It gives both old and new teams a drive to be more successful. Also, it gives teams going to nationals more pride in being there, knowing that they have worked beyond what is expected. I understand that all teams work hard to achieve whatever rewards they are able to achieve. But a national level competition should be more competitive and not overrun with “deadwood” teams whom due to unfortunate circumstances were unable to build a very competitive robot. I wish all teams the best of luck in competition and hope you may join in the national competition, if/when that occurs you will know the feeling I am talking about when I say “achieving something remarkable is better than getting a free ride.”