The evidence you brought to bear on this is good information, but it only goes to prove my statement that...
The early KJV translators translated this as Judgment Seat of Christ. when it was first translated (1611), the only known use of BHMA in 1611 that didn't even fit the context was Tribunal (Judgment Seat), also Platform, Step.
You cited as the usage of BHMA:
- βῆμα, a step, pace; a platform (emphasis added)
That is what I am arguing!!
The judges of the Olympics would sit on a
raised platform so they could see the competition and ultimately
reward the winners. The raised platform was called the BHMA. FYI, the BHMA is still seen in Corinth today.
Also, your very first sentence above says, "This is why I do not accept it as referring sole(l)y to a rewards ceremony."
This is what I have argued also. One use of BHMA is the raised platform found in the middle of the city where various trials were held by city magistrates. You can see that both uses of BHMA have judges and raised platforms.