Specifying a prayer rug for the Imam in the mosque

In reference to an earlier entry (http://ibnshamsuddeen.multiply.com/journal/item/541/Praying_on_rugs):

I'd like to mention the habit or custom of specifying a prayer rug for the imam in the mosque, referring specifically to Singapore's context.

The question is, does the imam need a prayer rug when the whole mosque is already carpeted? And quite often we find that he has a large rug, and a smaller rug on top of it..

Subhanallah.. how many rugs does he need? What's so special about the imam that he needs more than a rug, even if he is in need of a rug? Isn't it sufficient that the mosque is already carpetted and that he is already standing in front of the congregation, indicating that he's an imam?

Let's not forget the Prophet sallAllahu 'alayhi wa sallam used to pray in mud and water, even in the qiyaam of Ramadan.. and he did not ask for anything to be placed on the ground..

So i shall extract from the earlier entry for us to contemplate on:

6- The same applies to the practice in many mosques of having a rug that is just for the imam, which is set out for him to pray on, even though the mosque is carpeted. Why is he distinguished from the other worshippers??

This is not appropriate because there is no need for it, and because that may make him feel somewhat superior to the people.

The point is that putting down rugs in a carpeted mosque is a bid’ah unless there is a reason for that, such as it being very cold, or the floor being rough or the first carpet being naajis (impure) or filthy, and so on.

And Allaah knows best.

PS. How many of us pray without using a rug, especially at home?