2 things,

first to Roger...
I agree with everything you said, except one thing. Would you believe there are actually universities that are running robot wars degrees now? how mad is that? I think (from memory) Wrawick univercity was mentioned recently as having one of these courses. Maybe you should e-mail your local uni Roger and see if they would be interested in your rather deep pool of experience for them to draw on if they have similar plans.

2nd,
I questioned the point of an LED indicator when it was first brought up. I thought about it getting damaged, and people assuming that because it was not lit it was safe etc... people using it as a reason to disconnect their brains. As long as this is never allowed to happen, I see no reason now no to have them, we are not replacing anything with these, just adding them to give us another layer of protection. I wouldnt champion the cause, but Ill agree and vote for it if I was given the choice.

Just my little contribution, without the attacks or defends.