How do you decide commendations?

[Ephany]

Someone in my FC said earlier that tanks and healers always exchange commendations, and I have to admit, I normally give it to the tank. But let me explain....

I have no idea of telling which dps did better in 4 or 8 man content. And I never want to just randomly select a dps because I'm supposed to be thanking someone for a job well done.

Whereas, a tank in 4 man and the main tank in 8 man content, I can always see how well they do. And that's why they normally get awarded with it from me.

How do you guys decide who to give your commendation to?

[Sanghelios]

I actually mostly give that to the other healer or one of the tanks. Its simple, because as you said its easy to say wich healer/tank did well compared to dps. But if i see a dps doing well (Uses LB at the right time, good in avoiding aoes or just a good understanding of mechanics i give it to him instead of healer/tanks.

[Tranquil]

I always give my commendations to a DPS player, assuming there was one who I deemed did good enough. Healers and Tanks get plenty by default (most for no good reason), but it's pretty easy to see if a DPS plays at a good efficiency level, even if you don't parse or anything.

[Anova]

You will understand the earmarks of a good player with experience. It may help if you also try out those classes, although it's not necessary.

As a healer, you very easily notice the tank dodging aoe and avoiding damage. You may not know how fast an enemy's hp should fall, or how difficult dots and debuffs are to keep maintained on a target, but that's not the metric players expect you to have. Just use your healing perspective. Were the players sociable and nice? Did the tank dodge the telegraphs? Did the dps dodge the telegraphs? Did any enemies go down faster than usual? Were there any slick party-saving maneuvers? Did you learn anything from anyone in the party?

[Eltaire]

I generally give my commendations to whomever was the most social within the party. Running an area without talking is utterly boring. I also tend to give commendations to new players who are learning.

[Velox]

I always give commendations based on the same criteria I use for my own self-betterment.

Did the player attempt to perform his/her job?
Did the player go above and beyond the call of duty? (healer did damage, DPS buffing/debugging, tank dodged AoEs)
Did the player communicate?
Was the player pleasant?
Did the player explain mechanics and answer questions?
Did the player wait for someone who fell behind, or for someone who was new?
Did the player help newer members achieve needed goals, experience, or loot, even at the cost of their own time?

Obviously not all of these are applicable in every situation, but for the most part they work well.

[PWilson]

I give my commendation to the most helpful and/or amusing player (via chat). If the team wasn't needing help, I give it to a random DPS.
I rarely commend the tank unless, ironically, they screw up and then draw aggro in a situation where it was really needed. It's a tank. Just like a healer, they get too many commends for just doing their duty. Nobody appreciates the DPS roles. :|

[wicked-one]

I always give commendations based on the same criteria I use for my own self-betterment.
/snip
Obviously not all of these are applicable in every situation, but for the most part they work well.

Full ACK, i give my commendation to the player which made the best overall imperssion to me... and as I am now at the position of learning melee classes, i now understand how most jobs work and what´s about it... so i watch the whole team, not limiting me to give it to a tank or heal just beacause they are more easy to monitor.

But as a DD myself, i experienced how hard it is to get a good impression as DPS, so if no single person convinces me, i preferably give it to the DPS, ...
Yesterday i had a great team in Haukke Manor HM, and whilst they had to wait for me several times (fixing girlfriends WiFi in between ^^) I not only got all commendations, also we had a nice chat and a good feeling after a smooth run without wipe... (thx again if you read this) - wishing to give one to all of them.

On the other hand - in a run full of no talkers stalking me (i usually Q up as Tank) and behave like bot´s, I somtimes decide to not give any credit...

[Moqi]

In 8 man content I usually give it to the other healer or the tank I'm focusing on, depending on who I tought was better. Most of the time I'm too busy to notice what the DPS are doing, but if I notice a SMN ressing people or a DPS avoiding all damage, I could give it to them too.
In 4 man dungeon, I usually give it to the most social/helpful. If someone's new to the istance, they'll get my comm unless they've been particularly bad (I don't care if you die a few times as long as I see you're learning).

[Zefiris]

If tank try big pull, I never give commendation for him. If dps has good positioning and I need heal little, then give commendation.