The rating system itself is inspired by the investment manager rating system at Redington, with some of my own tweaks.
Preferred: This is the very best in a category. My go-to when I’m looking for that thing, and what I’d recommend to others. There will be one, except in very exceptional circumstances.
Approved: This is very respectable and likely a very strong choice. It is not the best, but that’s okay because there can generally only be one best. You won’t regret this one.
Jury’s Still Out: Not everything is black and white. Some places get worse over time. Some get better. This is a holding category for things that have sparked some questions, good and bad.
Disliked: I try not to be a hater. If something gets a Disliked rating, it’s done something spectacular to get in my public bad books.