These two points were mentioned on the new rules page. The custom medals for each event sound like a cool idea!
7. Each event will receive a package before their events with some PAPA Swag that can be used at the event as giveaways or prizes.
8. The Replay Foundation / PAPA will be creating a unique medal for each event during the Circuit season to be awarded to the winner of each event. These medals will be mailed to tournament directors prior to each event.
Not sure where you saw that PAPA didn’t have the best ratings, but this post from Doug seems to state otherwise in response to the idea of leaving PAPA/Pinburgh off the circuit.