We get lots of newbies, I see the new names in the section that says "welcome our newest member..." and many don't post (at least not right away) or are seldom heard from.
Some are probably checking things out, or looking for the next offering, all cool.
The Challenge Coin was for members who contributed to the Yard and made JYD status, like a thank you for your contributions and loyalty; and newbies, hogs, rats whoever couldn't just get one, you had to earn it with 1000 posts.
If it is too easy to get a Patch, some (and more) will just come for the freebie and we'll never hear from them again, and that's fine but it seems Dan is thanking all those in the Yard who made it a great place to hang, learn, share, make friends, contributing and making it over 300,000 posts.
Whatever is decided I think is cool and support it, and I thank Dan again for being generous to the Yard <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />