I voted that I like them. And yeah, I believe that they can be used as a sort of "tool" for motivation, though I would hope that it's not the only thing a person is striving for. Getting an award is nice and all, but I also think that you should do the things you do and not really expect to be awarded for them. I think feelings of doing a good job and being proud of your own accomplishments are an award in and of themselves.

People who spend their time on jealousy over someone else's recognition of achievement need to get their priorities in line, I think. Everyone has their day in the sun, so be happy for the person instead of jealous that it's not you*. You'll have your day, and when it comes, wouldn't you want people to be happy for you, instead of feeling jealous?

*(I used "you" in a general sense...not really talking in specifics. )