I read a section of the Atomic Robo RPG that dealt with "brainstorming" as a mechanic. I understand that the point is basically to get the players to be active in explaining how something works scientifically when it has not already been explained, and to introduce a little competition between players. It also gives a clearly defined mechanical way to deal with, and even sometimes exploit, said science.
My question is, why do they get Fate Points for this?
It already gives you a certain amount of power over the subject/object/creature ect that you are brainstorming about, and generally sounds pretty awesome in its own right.