Nixing the Gammy Bug didn't surprise me.
Yikes! I just don't like it.
I actually thought the jewel task force would come back with a positive recommendation on the pearl, but I got the feeling that sisters like having many options for jewels on the badge. I do, too. I don't remember hearing much detail on why they decided not to recommend a particular jewel. Did you take the "jewel survey" that was sent out by the task force? There were many options listed...I think responses were all over the board.