He's trying to say that an emblem determines that you're good basically. Sorry, but the last time I checked an emblem means squat really. Example? The Exotic Trials emblem. Everyone wanted someone who had this emblem to join their fireteam because they thought they were all bad ass and gods in crucible only to be utterly destroyed by the opposing team that actually have skill. Same applies here with the year one emblem. I have several friends who will be getting the emblem only because myself and a couple of raid buddies helped in carrying them through everything and they are in no way skilled. Had a friend who started playing Destiny in January and we carried him through literally everything. He's got everything done and hasn't played since after two weeks of HoW launch. Point is, OP thinks that everyone who has this emblem will be highly skilled because of the required accomplishments it takes to get it and little do we know that they were probably carried through everything.

I completely understand and agree with your statements, you never really know until you game with someone. This is why I am indiferent with OP, I understand his position but don't agree with excluding for the emblem. I've done my fair share of backpacking before too and will continue to.