On the contrary Jimlad, the pettiness is entirely within the mean spirited effective date criteria of this long service award. You seem unable to grasp the problem, that having finally decided to officially recognise long service in the Officer ranks, the imposition of an absurd "still in service" start date, with virtually no applicability to retired personnel, is a slap in the face for almost all those retired personnel. Few argue with the time served criteria, that is the basis of the long service. But, the effective prohibition of award to all who have retired but would otherwise qualify is mean and devisive.
AFAIK, this is the only situation where being retired is effectively a limitation on the qualification for claiming a medal where one meets all other criteria.
I for one find your condescending tone and aloof attitude to this subject as sad to observe.
OAP