It depends, I am on the same page as LoyceV. You can not just generalize. Let me give you another example...
User Zapo is doing some great job on his signature campaigns. He is just a member not a Legend or even a full member yet (possibly an alt of someone but we just can't say that).
Hey @Zapo,
I just stumbled upon this thread, and I had to stop and say this: You are doing a great job (so far) in the application process.
You're selection process is very responsible, and I love the way that you're handling the applicants and process in itself. Kudos to you. We need more campaign managers like you!
I really hope that you stick to your style and don't accept shitposters just to fill the spots... Doesn't seem like you would, but please don't get discouraged. Good luck with the campaign management, and I hope to see more of you in the future!
Enjoy the merit and
positive trust!
This was from BTCforJoe and we all know BTCforJoe. If you read the users bounty topic then you will understand that this is no way ass licking. Zapo deserved it 100%. BTCforJoe even left a positive trust for him.
...you are quite a popular figure and have earn't quite a lot of merit. Added to sheet.
The truth is, I am not ass-licking. I can assure you that if you read his signature campaign topic and observe his selection process then you will also have a positive thought about him even if he reject you from one of his campaign.
I had this thought too like OP and others have that meriting an ANN or bounty is bribing or sort of things. While in most cases we see the licking but there are cases like zapo, DarkStar_ and LoyceV and few others that these are well deserved.