On the contrary, I might be more likely to approve a bench from afar with proper context than a local one without.
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The notable person thing is specifically for memorials (not just benches but any kind of memorial item).
Benches or the area they mark can be eligible for a lot of other cool reasons
Just like reviewers won’t know that a certain restaurant, cafe, bar etc is a hyperlocal Hotspot. Or any other claims made… the burden of proof is on the submitter.
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@jocidee 
we asked above if you have any examples of benches. Without specifics, I’m afraid this is just going to continue to be a theoretical debate without much sustenance.
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I think you are confusing clarification with rule
Niantic put out these clarifications to help us understand what could be acceptable. A memorial to a very famous person could be a draw on its own merits. A memorial bench for a pet could also be accepted, but not because it has the dog’s name on there. It could be a great view bench.
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That makes sense, and I agree that good context helps a lot. My concern is more about the criteria itself — even with great context, the “notable person” requirement still puts a limit on benches that have location value but don’t involve a widely known individual.
If they are not famous, don’t submit it as a memorial bench. Submit it for the other context. There is no issue.
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I think I’d phrase that as “locally significant” or “culturally relevant” rather than explicitly famous, but I otherwise love this content.
A submitter does not need to make a plea for notability of the person where it doesn’t exist, but they can nominate the bench or seating arrangement for other merit.
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I do have a specific nomination that made me feel this way, but my point isn’t really about that one bench — it’s about the criteria itself. The “notable person” requirement creates issues no matter which example you use, so I’m trying to talk about the rule as a whole rather than just one case.
“Notable person” is not a requirement. The requirement is “great place to explore” (or socialise/exercise). Basically what @Gendgi said above, no need to force the “notability” aspect when it can be great for other reasons.
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This is just a general discussion, don’t feel pressured or compelled to show your own personal nomination if you don’t want to. 
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I get what you mean, but I do feel like I have to submit it as a memorial bench because that’s exactly what it is. I just don’t think the “notable person” requirement should be part of that process. If the bench adds value to the space, the fame of the person on the plaque shouldn’t be what makes or breaks the nomination.
What we are saying is that if the memorial isn’t for a notable person, that doesn’t matter if the bench qualifies in a different way for example marking a park or significant green space, or marking a beautiful viewpoint
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I agree OP, a memorial bench is (usually) publicly accessible seating with the intention of it being used by the public. It inherently should be considered a “great place to socialize at” but that would be a hard sell here.
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Notable person is just another way for bench to be eligible
Basically wayfarer dont want any random bench to be wayspot.
This is just example.
This kind of bench usually ineligible. Its not in park, i dont think it have good view either. There are many other bench along the way. But if it have memorial plague for notable person, it might be eligible on another merit.
I understand what you’re saying, but Niantic’s own clarification is exactly why this keeps coming up. They specifically state:
“Memorial benches can only be eligible under exploration if they are dedicated to a notable figure, and that notability is described in the nomination. Mass-produced memorial benches dedicated to friends and family are not eligible unless the nominator provides evidence of the individual’s importance to the community.”
That’s why I’m talking about the “notable person” requirement — it’s written right into the clarification criteria. If the bench is a memorial bench, the guidelines say it has to meet that standard, even if the location itself is great. That’s what I’d like to see changed so people don’t have to work around the memorial aspect just to get a good location approved.
Well, almost all of us have agreed that it isn’t a requirement.
We’ve told you the criteria. It feels you seem to think that donor benches should be some kind of exception to them rather than frame them. In ways that can meet criteria.
I want to be clear: I do understand the criteria, and I’m not asking for special exceptions. I’m questioning a specific part of Niantic’s clarification — the emphasis on “notable figures” — because it creates issues even when a location itself fully meets the exploration criteria. That’s a legitimate discussion point, not a misunderstanding on my part.
And just to add: replies that imply I’m ignoring the rules or needing to be “told” things repeatedly aren’t appropriate for this forum. We’re all here to discuss and exchange perspectives, not talk down to one another. I’m raising a concern about the criteria itself, and I expect the conversation to stay respectful.
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I dont think the rule gonna change. You have seen people opinion. I doubt niantic gonna be different. The onus still lies on submitter to prove that nomination is eligible, either from exploration,exercise, or social category. Notable figures is just another way for it to be eligible
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I understand what you’re saying, but that’s not really the point I’m making. I’m not arguing that “random benches” should be eligible, and I’m not talking about whether a specific bench has a good view or not. My concern is with Niantic’s clarification itself, which says “memorial benches are only eligible under exploration if the person is notable”.
That’s the part I’m questioning — the requirement that a memorial bench’s eligibility depends on the fame of the person on the plaque, rather than the value of the bench’s location. I’m discussing the criteria, not this particular bench’s scenery or how many other benches exist.