As far as i know you need to be nominated for the honours.
For all those unsung heroes out there doing charitable work, someone, somewhere should be nominating them rather than criticising those that were nominated and awarded.
I believe Ringo was awarded the honour partly for his charitable work over the years. I have no idea what that is to be honest.
I don't get the Politicians being honoured for doing they're extremely well paid jobs with significant pension scheme when they retire. That's disgraceful.
Dave