From Bill's Blog: Merits of replacing bronze participation medals

[Billfred]

I'm subscribed to FRC director Bill Miller's blog, and had a new post pop up today over lunch that seemed worthy of spotlighting for those who don't read his blog as often. Relevant bits pasted below:

How would you feel about pins? Are you for or against the suggestion FRC stop handing out bronze participation medallions and provide year specific, game themed participation pins instead? The goal is to reduce costs while improving FRC visibility, but I’d like your opinion before we make any changes. Let me know what you think at FRCteams@usfirst.org

Assuming that FIRST executed it correctly, this seems to me like an idea that might hold water. I've amassed seven bronze medals over the years (three with 1293, three with 1618, one with 2815), and they tend to sit for a long time in the place where I hang them after they come off my neck that Saturday evening. It won't please the "But everyone's a winner for competing" crowd, but I think the practicality of it might win out (especially for us long-suffering types ).

Can anyone make an argument in defense of the bronze participation medal?