*ponders how long it'll stake Silverhand to get to stage 4*
I dunno, but probably not long. We're high population, even if most of 'em are filthy gnome-lovers. The badge rewards are available at Stage 3, although the JC stuff sounds like it won't be available until Stage 4

It does have some shiney faction rewards like very nice tanking shields.
Yup, shields are alright. A bit light on stam and mitigation, but nice for rounding out other tanking stats.
SSO Info Page
I am a bit disapointed that they don't have a dragonhawk mount that would be awsome and that would be the perfect place for them to put one.