Wouldn't be the first time we've disagreed (nor the first time I've been to a parade that got rained on
).
I think they serve a purpose and I believe the professionals wouldn't have included them in so many "forum" apps if they didn't believe it as well.
I think it encourages appropriate behavior in forums. I think it provides a (small) way to say "thanks" for things that people have done in the forums/games. And to say "thanks" for assistance with other things. And, I believe it's a way to say "thanks" to people for spreading a little humor and for weighing in to threads to help people who are experiencing problems in their life.
Though it might be a popularity contest (in some ways), a quick look around shows that people like Geo, for instance, didn't have over 80 people rate him because he was popular but because of what he gave to the forum and the game.
Just an opinion.
