As you all know, the Badge of Honor token system is problematic as it requires players (who want to acquire badges) to focus on looting in the middle of fights. This is disruptive at times, and not viable at others.
Others have previously suggested that loot be immediately available in one’s inventory, thus eliminating the need to stop to loot. The Devs have stated elsewhere on these forums (in relation to loot) that there are difficulties in implementing such a system.
These issues apply equally to Badges of Honor, which are picked up as loot.
Perhaps one of the easiest ways to eliminate this problem would be to convert the entire badge system to an account-wide fame (see: http://wiki.guildwars.com/wiki/Fame#Acquisition) or glory system (see: http://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Glory). This is easy to implement, since it would award points on a on-kill basis (like experience points), rather than a on-loot basis.
Let us just call it, most aptly, “Honor”.
The benefits of an Honor points system are clear.
First, players will no longer need to actively loot in order to acquire their rewards. (I am aware that this does not solve the WvW loot issue, but that is another problem altogether).
Second, it serves as a tracking system whereby Anet can award recognition to players.
In GW1, Heroes Ascent (“HA”) players would grind rank titles from Mighty Hero -> Deadly Hero -> Terrifying Hero and so on (special emotes were awarded every 3 ranks). In sPvP, we have Deer -> Dolyak -> Wolf -> Tiger etc. In WvW, players have nothing to show for their efforts.
This will go some way to remedy the situation. I do realise that I am advocating a rank structure, but I cannot think of any better way to implement this.
Third, Honor is still meant to serve as currency to purchase items (siege, Invader equipment, and so on). While the total Honor points will be cumulative, the currency portion may be diminished when spent (just like Glory). The rewards should also be account bound.
Fourth, unlike Badges, Honor points will not take up space in the inventory.
The mechanics as to how these points are to be awarded is a whole other topic in itself.
One way is to use RNG (as per the current Badge system).
However, my view is that RNG is a poor system. Assuming the Rank system referred to above is adopted, one possible alternative would be to award points on a fixed range. Fewer Honor points should be awarded for killing lower ranked players (and/or underlevelled players). Conversely, more points should be awarded for killing higher ranked players (and players of a higher level). Even more points could be awarded for killing players which have a commander icon.
Honor points could also be awarded for defending a Guild-claimed keep, or taking over one (subject to certain conditions). On the other hand, if keeps are not claimed, no honor will be awarded. This hopefully promotes guild-based play and reduces flipping, and would go some way to bringing the guilds back into Guild Wars.
The possibilities are endless.
I look forward to reading your (hopefully) constructive criticism / discussion below.