Perspectives on the Graduation (Semikha) Ceremony

Although the previous post was about the semikha ceremony, there are other posts around about it.
One non-blog article on the ceremony may be found in the NY Blueprint ("2007 Yeshivat Chovevei Torah Rabbis"). The most notable part of that article is the following quote from Rabbi Avi Weiss:

“Where you fly and how you fly is up to you… students are often unable to make any decision without turning to their rabbi,” said Rabbi Weiss. “This is not the model of Chovevei Torah. To be sure, the rabbis and teachers here at YCT do the best to provide a process of learning critical to your success as a rabbi. But the goal of the master rabbi is to empower, not control. Not to hold on tight, but to let go… Real Torah is to reap from the master’s insight and then to find your own voice. As you celebrate your ordination, consider the imagery of walking out backwards with eyes on YCT, to forever draw from those you love and those that influence you.”

Steg had a little posting over at HOTGK, following it up with more discussion at then end of another posting.
R' Josh Yuter juxtaposed the YCT graduation with his own at RIETS, interestingly comparing and contrasting them in his "The Yeshiva and the Bazaar".