You two bring up some good points and I honestly don't have much of an argument to dispute them. But what I am worried about is that Hekazu would have to make the call to give inspiration to others or not. Acting our your character and developing them is a great reward, but as long as we're adventuring I think that might happen a lot. Right now I can see plenty of ways our characters could have a big revelation or do something that both makes sense IC, as well as show how much they've improved in both the short and long term. But I also don't want to put any more pressure on our GM to judge our characters for their actions either. Like dealing with a paladin who may have done something that could cause him to Fall, it's a very subjective case that really can only be considered in relation to your character, which makes judging all the more difficult. A fighter can get away with stealing a sword to fight a greater evil, but a paladin can't do that and must make due with what he has.

If I can be honest, I'm not surprised that Orchid did what he did, I just know it wasn't a good idea in practice. In character that makes sense, and I'm honestly surprised he made it as far as he did. It also does show a lot about his character: he's not a loud-mouth barbarian who talks big and can only fight enemies smaller than himself, but he's willing to take on enemies who outclass him simply on principle. For him, this makes sense for his character. But let's say someone else tried to do what he did. Let's say Parum was the one who chose to face the dragon. Now hear me out: Yes Parum was scared of the dragon in the first round, and she didn't really move from her spot since it showed up. All she was able to do was cast a few spells, granted very helpful spells. But she also mouthed off at the dragon and even tried to give everyone else hope when things seemed hopeless. Without her help Orchid may have not been able to make that climb onto the dragon in the first place.

And while it's in character for Orchid to be courageous and take on difficult challenges, for Parum she was able to muster up some bravery herself to stay and fight. Sure she wasn't able to do much, but none of us were. Yet despite lacking Orchid's confidence, she still faced her fear and took on the dragon instead of running away. If Orchid could get inspiration for acting as bravely as he did, what about Parum? Being brave is not the same as being fearless, because Parum had to overcome her fears of the dragon to face it. It's this sort of questions that I know might be hard for Hekazu, because it's certainly hard for me too. I don't want to seem harsh and say Orchid gets inspiration because he's the only one who risked his life, because to me that feels like I'm punishing the others for being scared. Alternatively, I also don't want to punish Orchid if later Parum is able to convince the mayor or some other powerful authority figure to give them a favor or clear them of guilt. Even if Orchid does something fairly impressive despite his low charisma and intelligence, like give a convincing defense for his case or point out a flaw in the opposing argument.

The trouble I foresee is trying to measure out these things like skill, bravery, or intelligence relative to our characters. Who should be rewarded for bravery above and beyond their station, the skilled warrior or the cowardly commoner? Who should be rewarded for their cunning wit, the intelligent scholar or the folksy peasant? Trying to weigh one or another can be difficult work, and trying to reward everyone only diminishes it's value.