<R7> d. Teams may add non-functional decorations provided that these do not affect the robot performance in any significant way or affect the outcome of the match. These decorations must be in the spirit of the competition. Inspectors will have final say in what is considered “nonfunctional”.
i. Anodizing and painting of parts would be considered a legal nonfunctional decoration
ii. Any guards or decals must be backed by legal materials that provide the same functionality. i.e. If your robot has a giant decal that prevents Scoring Objects from falling out of the robot, the decal must be backed by VEX material that also prevents the Scoring Objects from falling out.
Item ii. above permits side panels and you previously ruled on this here https://vexforum.com/t/answered-questions-about-side-panel-legality/29855/1
Q: Does the inverse apply i.e. Must be backed by VEX material that also prevents the Scoring Objects from falling IN?
Q: In the case of Nothing But Net can we assume that with side panels removed the non-functionality test an inspector would perform is attempt to enter/exit a scoring object behind where the panel was?
Q: Where other rules are broken by robot A, such as <R3> b. c. and <G12>, can we safely assume a decorative side panel on robot B that potentially protects from such actions does not constitute functionality since it should never have been needed for such protection in the first place?
Thanks!