In general, the SCA award system is flawed, but months and years of
debate haven't solved the problem yet.  Indeed, it may never change
substantially.  In the meantime, the system needs to be worked with.
There are some awards given after one simply writes a letter to the
royalty to ask it be done, yet people grumble that someone they know
isn't receiving the recognition they deserve.  The question then is
what has been done to try to direct the attention of Their Majesties
to the person?  We're afraid we have little patience to those who have
such a simple solution presented to them as writing a letter or
sending and email and yet refuse to make the effort.  Odds are good
then that they will never be satisfied, no matter the result.
<p>
Aquel and Johanna have made positive changes in the way baronial
awards are given, and they should be continued.  As Principal of the
Perseus, Yelizaveta has personal experience with their award
philosophies, and admires them.
<p>
In general, we would prefer to "err early", provided there is enough
support from the order.  We have seen how receiving an unexpected
award often makes people shine all the more from their desire to "live
up to it".  They become more determined to be deserving, and become
excellent representatives of the group.  In contrast, people who
receive the award "late" (in their own estimation/opinion) might not
be as encouraged to continue to grow.  Some even develop a small sense
of resentment or resignation that can taint their enjoyment of the
recognition.  Perfect award timing would be ideal, but in reality
that's very hard, so giving people a positive boost and a good feeling
would be preferable.
