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.
This user is running a new signature campaign (for IOU), and is doing so responsibly. They are checking each application and post history, which is apparent throughout the application/acceptance process. Although the campaign is for an alt coin, they are choosing to follow and enforce the strict guidelines for the campaign, except for a few hand-selected approvals for outstanding members. Kudos to this user; we need more campaign managers like this!
If you are seeing someone is doing extra ordinary job to help out the community which is ultimately benefiting the forum then don't hesitate to encourage then with whatever you have. I see another positive trust from jacee too. Giving a thumbs up encourage the person to do more who is already doing some good job.
PS: Some may say I am ass-licking for zapo coz he accepted me on one of his signature campaign even though I have a negative trust.
...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.