I have some criticism of the award system in Carolingia.  I think it
takes far too long to acknowledge really cool contributions to this
barony using our three polled orders.  Lately, the orders have been
meeting roughly annually, and the process of polling an order takes a
month or two,  so it's far too easy for superb arts, great martial
skill, or long service to slip aside and be forgotten or dismissed from
sheer elapsed time.  Or for someone who was reviewed by an order as a
candidate to watch, or wait, to leave or drop out before ever receiving
earned honors. <p>
We need to do two things about this.  First, the orders need to
accelerate the decision process -- it should not take 14-18 months as it
can in some cases now.  The orders should meet more often, and the poll
process be sped up.<p>
Second, we need more ways to acknowledge people's contributions beyond
considering them for the Daystar, Moon, or Perseus.  This can be
anything from tokens, to honorary titles or privileges, to attendants
for a day, to championships, public thanks....
In general, I prefer to err a little early, especially for the kind of
person I see growing in the role after the award has been given.  The
right kind of person to give an award to early is the kind who will
continue to learn, to teach, to administer, to improve their martial
skill, to become more personally mature and wise.  And this is the kind
of person most deserving of awards anyway.
