The thrust of the award, Li Tien-k'ui thinks, is not so much aimed at the artistic level as made in recognition of Chiang's devotion to folk opera and his persistence and tenacity.
李殿魁也認為，「薪傳獎」的著眼點不完全在藝術水準，反倒著重鄉土戲曲自發的、堅持不輟的韌性。