I prefer not to err at all.  I do believe that an award recognizes a level 
already attained, which I guess would be interpreted as preferring to "err 
late" by those who use that dichotomy.  However, I feel we've been giving 
awards much *too* late in recent years - I would like to see the Coronet 
doing what it can to meet with the orders more often.  I'd like to find a way 
of expediting the polling process as well, but it's not as easy to do that 
without cutting corners that might leave something important out - as an 
order member, I've been very leary of changes in polling procedures that 
seemed to save time by cutting out important discussion.  (I'm also very 
aware that the principals of all three Carolingian orders are also candidates 
for the coronet; I'll be interested to find out how they answer this 
question.)
<p>
I think there are also some shortcomings that are inherent in the existing 
award system.  One of the serious ones is the inability to repeat an award: 
as long as the Laurel recognizes depth of achievement in a field more than 
breadth over several, for instance, then doing Manche-quality work in four 
different fields still gets you only the one Manche you got in the first 
field.  I think there are other shortcomings in the order system of as well: 
the overwhelmingly ubiquitous arts-martial arts-service tripartite division, 
for example, and the love of "surprising" people with awards.  (Come on, how 
often in the First Middle Ages was a peer of the realm elevated to that rank 
without knowing it well ahead of time?)
<p>
I would like the Coronet (whether that's me or anyone else) to look for other 
ways to award the Carolingian orders more promptly and more often, and for 
ways of extending recognition besides order membership.  Badges of favor, for 
instance, or less specific gifts from the Coronet can be meaningful 
expressions of public recognition; the creation of a Baronial Guard or 
Household, putting the best of the barony out in full view.  Aquel and 
Johanna began to do some of this; I would like to see it taken further.
