I like graded ballots, and I think that (for public proposal) the standard A,B,C,D,F scale is sufficient, with C as the default LPG slot. Allowing +/- options would triple the resolution.
Of course, I've been grading students that way for nearly thirty years now, so it seems pretty natural to me.
I understood your explanation about the advantages of using the LPG option (i.e. not approving all graded candidates) but I think it is more confusing than helpful. If you move the default LPG to midrange, that part of the explanation could simply be ...
"The grades you assign to your disapproved candidates will help determine which of them wins in the event that none of your approved candidates wins."
My Best,
Forest
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