Has anybody here gotten there patent and how important do you think it is that every M.M get one?
My mother jurisdiction sends a wallet size certificate when you complete your MM proficiency. The Gr Sec office offers a full size version for framing. I have it in a tube next to my while leather apron. In the tube are my first PM full size and a couple of other presentations.
As all US jurisdictions (most of all North American jurisdictions?) send dues cards we don't need additional documents. A patent is a form published by grand lodge signed by the local lodge secretary that says you were in good standing at the time it was issued (on large paper, might not be current if you stop paying your dues). A dues card is a form published by grand lodge signed by the local lodge secretary that says you were in good standing at the time it was issued (on small paper, issued one year at a time so NPD is not an issue).
As a fun variation Illinois recently started sending out life (called endowed in Texas) membership cards that are permanent plastic. There isn't a way for a life member to be NPD at his own lodge so other than size it's very much a patent.