I’m, the initial author of this thread and the one asking for 3D Printing to be allowed 2021-2022. Lots of good points were brought up, but the bottom line is that the GDC is not going to move on this point.
Something that is important is to realize that coaches / mentors / EP were vocal about the cost with this. Even with $200 printers, one mentor allowed they would need to buy at least 10 printers to keep up with the demand. So people are looking for long range decisions to make planning.
Second thing is there has been no external discussion between VEX/GDC/RECF and the outside world of coaches / mentors / EP / etc. (Even the ones on Facebook) And until that discussion starts this is all dead in the water.
If you have an opinion about 3D printing write to the RECF and tell them you want to work on it with them. Get your coaches / mentors to write. Unless there is a ground swell for this (like the one to increase the size of the VEXIQ field by 50%) no action will be taken.
I’ve taken my turns at bat for both 3D printing and giving judging feedback. I’ve been the “mad” knight Don Quixote tilting at windmills for the last 5 years. Across the last 20 years I’ve been able to make substantial changes to VRC/VIQ. These latest two are not battles I’m going to win. The VRC/VIQ have too much resistance to make a change like this. I am caught by the irony of a program that was so progressive in the late 1990’s is now stuck by the same issues that were so resistant to change that it caused this robotics competition creation.
My recommendation is if someone has the desire to start a 3D Printing in 2022-23 group to work out the issues around what needs to happen.
If people are interested in the VRC++ (same rules as VRC HS, plus add on (3D printing, unlimited polycarb),etc (one less motor); start some chatter up about that. VEXU got started with a very small group of people.
@DRow can you put this thread to rest please?