Wanted to see opinions on this - used to see it from time to time when I played before, and might be seeing it again:
We all know that in a great many realms, Dukes are the long-time friends of the ruler, hardly ever change, very often never say a word, etc.
Occasionally, they go inactive. And the ruler "hems" and "haws" for a few days about making a decision, and then Oh, look! the player logs back in, "IC claims" is used as an excuse, and the character is reappointed to Duke.
Now, in my mind, this is circumventing a rule created by Tom specifically to aid turn-over in positions and let more people become involved, and so the ruler should be punished.
That's my opinion - what is yours?