I’m not 100% on how big the actual crouch tech window is, but I WANT to say that you have something like a 3-5 frame window to actually tech a throw. So even though a throw has a 3f startup, by pressing throw anywhere in that window will still tech the throw. So, let’s say you set this situation up and you are a robot who can press :db:+:lk::lp::mp: EXACTLY 5 frames after, let’s say, Ryu, gets up off the ground after a knockdown.
Option 1: He shoryus. Since shoryu comes out in 3 frames and you are blocking and not pressing any buttons until the 5th frame, you block.
Option 2: He throws. A throw comes out after 3 frames too. However, since you have a window of 3-5 frames to tech a throw, that means that as long as you press lp+lk anywhere from 3 to 8 frames after ryu stands up, you will tech the throw.
Option 3: He blocks. You do c.mp xx boom or some crap.
Option 4: He wakes up with a quick normal like c.lp or c.lk. Since these come out in 4 frames, you should still be safe. Obviously, dependant on how well your opponent can do normals with reversal timing, but, you know, these are hypothetical robots we’re talking about anyways.
Option 5: He wakes up with a slightly slower normal, let’s say c.hk (6f startup?). You will get hit by this since you already pressed c.mp, but it’s not out yet.
Again, this is a situation that exists in a vacuum performed by robots. No one can do reversal c.lp on wakeup with 100% consistency, no can press an option select EXACTLY 5 frames after someone elses wakeup EVERY time. Still the idea of a slightly delayed option select like this is pretty high level stuff. Also, I’m a bit fuzzy on what the exact window is of a crouch tech, but I’m pretty sure it’s 3-5 frames.
Does this make sense?