News from reliable sources close to this perennial juggernaut says that J.D. Power will discontinue its ranking service in all housing markets throughout North America in favor of a "certification" program to the top 20 percent of builders in each market. This new approach will take the pressure off companies to be No. 1 in their markets compared to previous years. I also wonder how this change will impact the effectiveness of the J.D. award in general. Will the company’s new program water down the power of its brand? Having 20 percent of the market as winners is a lot of builders in places like Phoenix and Atlanta.

What are your thoughts and what are you hearing about this issue?