November Mission Model Discussion: M08 - MANHOLE COVERS

Welcome to the November Mission Model Discussion! From now until just before Thanksgiving this space will feature ONE part of the FIRST LEGO League HYDRO DYNAMICS game challenge per day. The Robot Game is only 1/4th of the overall FIRST LEGO League challenge for teams this year! This post is meant to be an aid, not a replacement for carefully reading the Challenge Guide!

At the Beginning of the Match: Two Manhole Covers are placed loosely on the mark with the grey side up. Either manhole cover may be in either circle and the decorative elements may be in any orientation.
Required for Scoring: Flip the Manhole Cover past vertical, so the blue is up or more up than the grey side.
Conditions: The Manhole Cover must NEVER reach Base
Score: 15 Points EACH (30 points for BOTH)
BONUS: Both covers are scored as described above AND completely in separate Tripod targets. (the thick black line around starting position of the Manhole Covers)
BONUS Score: 30 Points (this is added to the 30 Points scored by flipping the Manhole Covers)

Note from Oregon Head Referee Tom: Scores at the end of the match for each cover that is flipped over. Scores bonus points if each cover is completely in a separate Tripod target. The cover cannot ever be in Base.
The two Manhole covers have slightly different details, but they can be set up on either mark.

Real World Impact: Manholes provide access to underground utilities. For water, this often includes pump maintenance access, shut-off valves, and inspection access. Manhole covers are traditionally round for each of use and to ensure that the covers can not fall into the hole they secure. Some places use other shapes mostly, but it does add to the difficulty of use as corners must be precisely aligned. Manhole covers are very heavy and difficult to lift and move.

Discussion: When I first saw this challenge, I thought it might be one of the most difficult on the board. Since then I've had people tell me it's not so hard. What is your team's thought? Challenging, or not too tricky? Why?