Well, given that it already occurred and had an array of "serious entrants," I'd say you're both completely wrong and didn't watch the video.
Contests aren't all about recouping costs. It's not like the X Prize is going to mean a huge profit for the groups that win it.
Edit for context: Above poster was complaining that the grand prize ($1000) wouldn't recoup costs of building and that the entry fee (probably not even close covering the drinks costs) was too high at $45.
> probably not even close covering the drinks costs
From the contestant detail page, it looks like DNA supplies all the booze and mixers (which also probably makes things easier on their liquor license). You also get $1 per drink served regardless of if you win or not.
Edit: This is also awesome -- We will provide 110VAC, 10A. If your robot runs on something else (e.g. steam, plutonium, the souls of the damned) you'll have to provide that.
Contests aren't all about recouping costs. It's not like the X Prize is going to mean a huge profit for the groups that win it.
Edit for context: Above poster was complaining that the grand prize ($1000) wouldn't recoup costs of building and that the entry fee (probably not even close covering the drinks costs) was too high at $45.