I agree wholeheartedly with Attilla, and the others.
If it was an issue for some for the SP's to be involved, or for repeat awards to be won, the time to voice that was at the nomination. Everyone knew Emma was an SP, and a previous award winner then, but no one said anything at the time. Only after the fact was it brought up, and clearly it swayed the outcome because after that comment, the voting pattern changed substantially.
Emma as a CERB member has proven herself extremely knowledgable and experienced, and she has given generously of both to hobbiest and SP's alike. The posts are only part of the story with her too. Her contributions continue in the PM's. She has assisted many members, freely giving advice and commentary on any number of topics of relevance. Particularly impressive in my opinion , is her ability to converse at any level, simplifying for the inexperienced, and rising to the more "advanced", as the occasion dictates with equal efficacy and dignity. That , people , is a sign of something special and certainly worthy of this award.
But the thing that seals it for me is her retraction. I respect it , if that is her wish, but its a crime nevertheless. Rather than allow any further negativity to continue, she puts pride aside and merely points out what we all should have known in the first place. We members, whether they realize it or not, have all just been schooled on grace and class by this fine lady.