The thing with roboteering is that its an obsessive hobby. Spending all that money on something just to put it in an arena to get trashed, hell, there has to be an element of obsession there. And we'd all do it even if we had to meet in a disused car park somewhere to fight. We all have so much respect and gratitude for the event organisers that we will happily suffer some cut backs or choices in times of recession, as long as we can keep fighting! From ants to heavys, and with talk of expanding middleweights, there is a weight class level for pretty much anyone who still wants to get involved in this hobby, without age or cost restraints. So yeah, I can see the future maybe being a less glamarous place to play in, but as long as we get to play, I don't think any of us mind that one bit.
Can't wait to get my heavyweight going. Had the dream of watching my own machine roll into battle since I was 10 years old and nothing's gunna stop me achieving it now I have all the bits.