This award is given to websites that are absolutely the BEST of the best.  The site must meet all of my criteria.

This one is given to really great sites that meet the biggest part of my criteria.

The bronze award is given to sites that are really good, but for some reason or other, don't quite have what it takes to win silver or gold.

And finally we have the merit award.  I give this award to sites in which I can tell the webmaster is really trying to build a good site.