Seems as though “official” is for things or groups, like your list of companies, govt depts etc. Where as the checkmark is for people. That line gets blurry when people are things, like influencers. Seems like before, the checkmark filled both of those roles and now it’s potentially going to be split.

I believe that the lords and peasants thing is about lack of clarity and consistency in how or who could get a checkmark. As the checkmark was, among other things, a status symbol for cool kids as well as a verification mark. The status symbol existing at least in part because it was ‘bestowed’.

Assuming that last paragraph, it would make sense in a certain way to ‘unload’ the checkmark into component parts and have a system for each.

Could a physical example be like an expo or business woman’s breakfast? Metropolis Business Expo, being a part of it said to be essential to doing business in metropolis, anyone can attend, vip passes given to friends of the organiser for backstage party but also for better stall location. Split stall location pass out of vip pass and sell vip pass for 8$. This impact the lord club that existed before as any peasant with 8$ gets to stink up the balcony cocktail party. Does that fit? Hopefully at least barely.