Having received this award before it's less of a shock, though as I'm currently a little behind on a few favourites (and in the case of Crossfires massively behind) it was something of a surprise. Still that's Jape for you, always with the surprises (That and abandoning AARs after a tantalising start). So first of thanks to Jape for his kind words, which I will repay graciously by making the doomed demand he doesn't abandon his current Cromwellian epic.
On the matter of a successor it's a bit tricky, however I've gone for Nathan Madien. A familiar face around the place he has, somehow, managed to avoid this award which he richly deserves.
Finally a quick word of thanks for all the congratulations, nice to know the comments are appreciated and not just skimmed over.